Dysport (Clostridium Botulinum Type A Toxin-Haemagglutinin Complex)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Dysport Used For?
Dysport is a prescription medicine that contains botulinum toxin type A. It’s used to treat various muscle conditions and cosmetic concerns by temporarily relaxing muscles.
Primary Uses
In adults: muscle spasms around the eyes, face, and neck; muscle stiffness in arms, shoulders, and legs; frown lines between eyebrows; crow’s feet near eyes. In children (2+ years): muscle stiffness in arms and legs. Specific conditions include spasmodic torticollis (cervical dystonia), blepharospasm, hemifacial spasm, upper and lower limb spasticity.
How It Works
Dysport works by blocking the release of a chemical messenger between nerves and muscles. This prevents muscles from contracting, which helps reduce abnormal muscle spasms and allows muscles to relax.
Professional Administration: Dysport is only given by doctors who have received special training in botulinum toxin injections, ensuring safe and effective treatment.
How Dysport Is Given
Dysport is administered only by trained healthcare professionals through injections into muscles or under the skin. You cannot take this medication yourself.
Dosage Instructions
Dosages vary by condition: Upper limb spasticity (adults: up to 1000 units, children: up to 640 units or 16 units/kg); Lower limb spasticity (adults: up to 1500 units, children: up to 1000 units or 30 units/kg); Cervical dystonia: 250-1000 units; Blepharospasm: 40-120 units per eye; Frown lines: up to 50 units; Crow’s feet: up to 30 units per side. Your doctor determines the exact dose based on your condition severity and muscle involvement.
Treatment Schedule
Injections are typically given every 12-28 weeks depending on your condition. Adults usually receive treatments every 12-16 weeks, while children may have longer intervals. Cosmetic treatments are spaced at least 12 weeks apart.
Important: Never attempt to inject Dysport yourself. It must only be administered by trained medical professionals in proper clinical settings.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- general weakness
- pain, bruising, swelling at injection site
- fatigue and tiredness
- flu-like symptoms
- itching
- numbness
- headache
- muscle weakness
- dry eyes
- eyelid swelling or drooping
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- difficulty swallowing
- breathing problems or shortness of breath
- speech problems
- excessive muscle weakness
- pneumonia
- allergic reactions (swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat)
- very dry eyes
- facial nerve paralysis
- accidental falls due to muscle weakness
Important Warnings
Dysport has important safety considerations and is not suitable for everyone. Discuss your complete medical history with your doctor.
Who Should Not Take Dysport
Do not use if you have: myasthenia gravis or myasthenic syndrome; signs of infection or inflammation at injection sites; allergy to botulinum toxin type A or any ingredients in Dysport.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: swallowing difficulties; history of breathing problems, bronchitis, or pneumonia; previous reactions to botulinum toxin; muscle weakness, wasting, or prolonged weakness; bleeding problems; recent facial surgery or cosmetic procedures; any other medical conditions.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Dysport is not recommended while breastfeeding. Discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.
Elderly Patients: Elderly patients may receive smaller doses of Dysport. Your doctor will adjust the treatment based on your age and overall health.
Drug Interactions
Several medications can interact with Dysport and affect how it works. Always inform your doctor about all medications you’re taking.
- muscle relaxing drugs (muscle relaxants)
- antibiotics (aminoglycoside antibiotics, spectinomycin, polymyxins, tetracyclines, lincomycin)
- penicillamine
- procainamide
Alcohol & Driving
Dysport may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Take precautions until you know how the medication affects you.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before driving or using machines until you know how Dysport affects you. The medication may cause dizziness and weakness in treated muscles or general weakness that could impair your ability to drive safely.
Storage
Your doctor will typically store Dysport at their clinic or pharmacy. If you need to store it at home, keep it refrigerated between 2°C to 8°C. Do not freeze the medication. Keep it away from children and follow all storage instructions on the packaging.
Overdose Information
Overdose is unlikely since Dysport is given by healthcare professionals. However, if too much is given, muscles beyond the injection site may become weak, and the toxin could enter the bloodstream causing serious complications including muscle paralysis and breathing difficulties. If you suspect overdose, immediately call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest emergency department, even without symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
The medication works by blocking nerve signals to muscles, but the source doesn’t specify exact timing. Your doctor will monitor your response and schedule follow-up treatments typically every 12-28 weeks depending on your condition.
The source material does not indicate that Dysport is addictive. It works by temporarily blocking nerve signals to muscles and the effects wear off over time, which is why repeat treatments are needed.
If you miss an injection, tell your doctor who will decide when you need your next treatment. Missing an injection won’t cause harm, but some muscle spasms or stiffness may return as the previous treatment wears off.
Yes, Dysport can be used to treat upper and lower limb spasticity in children 2 years and older. It should not be used in children under 2 years or for other conditions besides spasticity in pediatric patients.
Always remind any doctor, dentist, pharmacist, or clinic staff that you are receiving Dysport injections. This is important for your safety and proper medical care coordination.
Treatment frequency depends on your condition. Adults typically receive injections every 12-16 weeks, children every 16-28 weeks for spasticity, and cosmetic treatments are spaced at least 12 weeks apart. Your doctor will determine the best schedule for you.
Dysport uses specific IPSEN units that apply only to this product and are not the same as units used for other botulinum toxin medicines. Your doctor will use the appropriate dosing specific to Dysport.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.