Belkyra (Deoxycholic Acid)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Belkyra Used For?
Belkyra is a prescription injectable treatment that helps reduce unwanted fat under the chin without the need for surgery.
Primary Uses
Belkyra is specifically designed to reduce fat under the chin, resulting in a more contoured neck profile and jawline. This non-surgical treatment provides an alternative to invasive procedures for people looking to improve their chin and neck appearance.
How It Works
Belkyra contains deoxycholic acid as its active ingredient, which works to break down fat cells in the treatment area when injected under the skin.
Good to know: This treatment provides results without the need for surgery, offering a less invasive option for chin contouring.
How Belkyra Is Administered
Belkyra can only be administered by a qualified doctor in a clinical setting through a series of small injections under the skin.
Treatment Schedule
You may receive up to 50 injections per treatment session. The total number of treatment sessions depends on your individual needs, with a maximum of 6 treatments allowed. Each treatment must be at least 4 weeks apart. Your doctor will determine the exact number of treatments you need based on the amount of excess fat under your chin.
What If You Miss an Appointment?
It’s important to attend all scheduled appointments for the best results. If you miss an appointment, contact your doctor immediately for advice and to reschedule your treatment.
Important: Do not skip any appointments as this may result in a less satisfactory outcome.
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:
- Bruising at injection site
- Pain
- Numbness
- Swelling
- Redness
- Tingling
- Formation of small areas of hardness under the skin
- Itching
- Lumps at injection site
- High blood pressure
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing
- Swelling of face, lips, tongue or other body parts
- Skin rash, itching or hives
- Skin discoloration
- Ulcer or open sore
- Unusual hair loss
- Decreased skin sensation
- Tissue death around injection site
- Scarring
- Injection site infection with inflammation and pus
- Difficulty swallowing
- Uneven smile
- Tingling or reduced sensation around the mouth
- Disturbance of taste
Important Warnings
Before receiving Belkyra treatment, it’s essential to discuss your medical history and current health status with your doctor.
Who Should Not Receive Belkyra
Do not use Belkyra if you are allergic to deoxycholic acid or any other ingredients in the medicine. You should also avoid this treatment if you have an active infection in your chin or neck area where the injections would be given. Signs of allergic reactions may include shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling of face/lips/tongue, rash, itching, or hives.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have allergies to medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes; have had or plan to have plastic surgery on your face, chin, or neck; have received other aesthetic treatments like liposuction or neurotoxins in these areas; have difficulty swallowing; have medical conditions in, on, or near the neck; have a bleeding disorder or take blood-thinning medicines; are on a sodium-restricted diet; or take any other medications.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Belkyra is not recommended during pregnancy as it’s unknown if it can harm your unborn baby. The active ingredient may pass into breast milk, so use while breastfeeding is not recommended. Make sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Age Restriction: Belkyra is not indicated for use in children or adolescents under 18 years of age.
Drug Interactions
While there is limited information available about Belkyra’s interactions with other medicines, it’s important to tell your doctor about all medications you’re taking.
- Limited information available on specific drug interactions
- Tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you take
- Inform your doctor if starting any new medications while receiving Belkyra
Alcohol & Driving
Belkyra treatment is not expected to affect your daily activities in most cases.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Belkyra injection is not expected to affect your ability to drive or use machines safely.
Storage
Belkyra is an injectable medicine that will only be provided to you by your healthcare practitioner in a clinic setting. Your doctor or clinic staff will properly store the medication and keep it away from children. Any unused medicine will be disposed of by your healthcare provider.
Overdose Information
If you think you or anyone else may have accidentally received too much Belkyra or swallowed the medicine, seek immediate medical attention. In Australia, call the Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26. In New Zealand, call 0800 POISON or 0800 764 766. You can also contact your doctor or go to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately, even if there are no obvious signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
The number of treatment sessions needed varies by individual, with up to 6 treatments possible. Each treatment is spaced at least 4 weeks apart, and your doctor will determine how many treatments you need based on your specific situation.
You may receive up to 50 injections per treatment session. The exact number depends on the amount of excess fat under your chin, as determined by your doctor.
No, Belkyra is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It’s unknown if it can harm your unborn baby, and the active ingredient may pass into breast milk.
Call your doctor straight away if you have problems swallowing at any time following your Belkyra injection, as this is considered a serious side effect.
You should tell your doctor if you have had or plan to have plastic surgery on your face, chin, or neck, or if you’ve received other aesthetic treatments like liposuction or neurotoxins in these areas.
No, Belkyra is not indicated for use in children or adolescents younger than 18 years.
It’s important to attend all appointments for the best results. If you miss an appointment, contact your doctor for advice and to reschedule, as skipping appointments may result in less satisfactory outcomes.
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.