Archive for October, 2009:
Oct 21 2009
Could Botox Create the Zombie Nation?
Looking your best has never been easier. There are so many avenues from which to choose – just thumb through any slick magazine, your local newspaper or log on to a favorite news site and the choices become practically endless because many, many advertisers are vying for your dollars proclaiming that wrinkles, sags and bags can be remedied using these expensive lotions, potions and serums.
Buying good looks is very common. No matter if you are a boardroom executive or a bored housewife, you have probably given some thought to creating a better looking face. After all, Mother Nature isn’t always kind to faces over forty.
Looking younger is an international epidemic resulting from the idea that we are living longer than our ancestors and that if we want to successfully compete in today’s world we must continue to look young and vibrant.
Again and again we have heard that sixty is the new forty; we know that our grandparents and parents did not look like we look now at the same age and most of us have decided that we are going to fight aging every step of the way.
There is nothing wrong with fighting a good fight to keep an aged face at bay, after all, who wants to look old? It’s the methods offered that can cause great concern for our long-term good health that needs to get and keep our attention.
Maybe you have decided that plastic surgery is not for you. Cutting perfectly healthy tissue in the name of beauty has its drawbacks – the incidence of infection, recovery time, time away from the family and job, dissatisfaction with the results and the risk of death are all hazards that can be avoided just by saying no.
What about a “liquid facelift”? It isn’t so dangerous, right?
A liquid facelift is performed with needles bearing serums that plump and paralyze. It seems that users of these serums have forgotten or maybe they have never been told that long-term testing has not been completed on most of these toxic injectables, so it’s truly a buyer beware life and death scenario.
What is really interesting about these serums is the paperwork presented by physicians that require your signature when you are serious about using these preparations.
Usually one believes that a physician has your best interests at heart but after reading the paperwork that outlines the contraindications of Botox, one has to step back and consider the blatant ramifications of allowing a toxin to be willingly injected into the body.
Knowing that Botox has only been approved for the frown lines between the eye brows, it is curious that it is being used “off label” for other areas such as crow’s feet, vertical neck bands and more.
The warnings include the usual superfluous ones like swelling, redness at the injection site and maybe a drooping eyelid that will probably correct itself in a few weeks – certainly in less than three months. The very telling danger lies in the words of caution such as:
• Paralysis of a nearby muscle that could interfere with opening the eye(s)
• Disorientation, double vision or past pointing (dizziness or imbalance)
• Temporary asymmetrical appearance
• Abnormal or lack of ****** expression
• Local numbness
• Headache, nausea or flu-like symptoms
• Swallowing, speech or respiratory disorders
• Facial pain
• Product ineffectiveness
• Muscle atrophy
• Nerve irritability
• Production of antibodies with unknown effect to general health
• Death
• Serious disability
Some of the most unusual authorization aspects are the statements that a patient must agree to if they choose Botox:
• I am aware and accept that no guarantees about the results of the procedure have been made or implied.
• I understand and accept that the long-term effects of repeated use of Botox Cosmetic are as yet unknown.
The effects of Botox are temporary yet the effects can be lethal.
Scary indeed especially now that there is evidence that the serum migrates via the nerve cells. Having a Botox’d brain may mean you no longer have full access to your faculties. What if this results in slowed or deliberate speech or even worse?
Why chance any occurrence that could potentially harm your good health? What price beauty indeed?
What if you could easily begin to stop frown lines without using anything harmful? Would you be interested in knowing that a tightened forehead is possible using only exercise? Could you invest in yourself with an all-natural alternative that requires no doctor visits or any type of invasive procedure?
This all-natural alternative is isometric and resistance exercise. Yes! Exercise can easily change the shape and contour of your face and once you learn the routine, there is no need for further expenditure because the technology is yours forever. Just keep in mind that exercise can work for you like ****** plastic surgery and Botox by addressing: droopy eyelids and brows, sagging cheeks, jowls, pouches, double chins and more
Imagine looking ten to fifteen years younger without ever relying on invasive injections in the face or risky surgeries that require repeating. These modalities do not always make you look younger; rather surgery and injections mostly make you look like you have had work done and maybe even a little freakish.
By: Cynthia Rowland
About the Author:
Buying good looks is very common. No matter if you are a boardroom executive or a bored housewife, you have probably given some thought to creating a better looking face. After all, Mother Nature isn’t always kind to faces over forty.
Looking younger is an international epidemic resulting from the idea that we are living longer than our ancestors and that if we want to successfully compete in today’s world we must continue to look young and vibrant.
Again and again we have heard that sixty is the new forty; we know that our grandparents and parents did not look like we look now at the same age and most of us have decided that we are going to fight aging every step of the way.
There is nothing wrong with fighting a good fight to keep an aged face at bay, after all, who wants to look old? It’s the methods offered that can cause great concern for our long-term good health that needs to get and keep our attention.
Maybe you have decided that plastic surgery is not for you. Cutting perfectly healthy tissue in the name of beauty has its drawbacks – the incidence of infection, recovery time, time away from the family and job, dissatisfaction with the results and the risk of death are all hazards that can be avoided just by saying no.
What about a “liquid facelift”? It isn’t so dangerous, right?
A liquid facelift is performed with needles bearing serums that plump and paralyze. It seems that users of these serums have forgotten or maybe they have never been told that long-term testing has not been completed on most of these toxic injectables, so it’s truly a buyer beware life and death scenario.
What is really interesting about these serums is the paperwork presented by physicians that require your signature when you are serious about using these preparations.
Usually one believes that a physician has your best interests at heart but after reading the paperwork that outlines the contraindications of Botox, one has to step back and consider the blatant ramifications of allowing a toxin to be willingly injected into the body.
Knowing that Botox has only been approved for the frown lines between the eye brows, it is curious that it is being used “off label” for other areas such as crow’s feet, vertical neck bands and more.
The warnings include the usual superfluous ones like swelling, redness at the injection site and maybe a drooping eyelid that will probably correct itself in a few weeks – certainly in less than three months. The very telling danger lies in the words of caution such as:
• Paralysis of a nearby muscle that could interfere with opening the eye(s)
• Disorientation, double vision or past pointing (dizziness or imbalance)
• Temporary asymmetrical appearance
• Abnormal or lack of ****** expression
• Local numbness
• Headache, nausea or flu-like symptoms
• Swallowing, speech or respiratory disorders
• Facial pain
• Product ineffectiveness
• Muscle atrophy
• Nerve irritability
• Production of antibodies with unknown effect to general health
• Death
• Serious disability
Some of the most unusual authorization aspects are the statements that a patient must agree to if they choose Botox:
• I am aware and accept that no guarantees about the results of the procedure have been made or implied.
• I understand and accept that the long-term effects of repeated use of Botox Cosmetic are as yet unknown.
The effects of Botox are temporary yet the effects can be lethal.
Scary indeed especially now that there is evidence that the serum migrates via the nerve cells. Having a Botox’d brain may mean you no longer have full access to your faculties. What if this results in slowed or deliberate speech or even worse?
Why chance any occurrence that could potentially harm your good health? What price beauty indeed?
What if you could easily begin to stop frown lines without using anything harmful? Would you be interested in knowing that a tightened forehead is possible using only exercise? Could you invest in yourself with an all-natural alternative that requires no doctor visits or any type of invasive procedure?
This all-natural alternative is isometric and resistance exercise. Yes! Exercise can easily change the shape and contour of your face and once you learn the routine, there is no need for further expenditure because the technology is yours forever. Just keep in mind that exercise can work for you like ****** plastic surgery and Botox by addressing: droopy eyelids and brows, sagging cheeks, jowls, pouches, double chins and more
Imagine looking ten to fifteen years younger without ever relying on invasive injections in the face or risky surgeries that require repeating. These modalities do not always make you look younger; rather surgery and injections mostly make you look like you have had work done and maybe even a little freakish.
By: Cynthia Rowland
About the Author:
Cynthia Rowland is widely recognized as an expert in all natural ****** fitness with over thirty years experience in health & beauty related fields. She has appeared on The View, Fit TV, HGTV and other popular shows.
“I Save Faces”
http://www.rejenuve.com/FacialMagicSL.htm
Oct 06 2009
Botox: Fountain of Youth or Poison in Your Face?
What Is Botox?
Derived from the botulinum toxin type A, Botox is a brand name for a highly purified and diluted preparation of botulinum used in numerous medical and cosmetic applications. It is also sold under the names Dysport and Myobloc. Botox is most widely known for its use in removing wrinkles.
While the botulinum toxic itself is highly poisonous and even deadly, the same toxin in smaller doses can be used to safely treat a variety of conditions. Botox is most widely known for its use in removing wrinkles, but is also has numerous medical applications.
Botox was first used in medicine to treat strabismus, a condition in which a person’s eyes do not align normally, and blepahrospasm, or uncontrolled blinking. Today, Botox is the most commonly performed cosmetic operation in America, with over four and a half million people getting the treatment in 2007.
Does Botox Work?
Botox does work to lessen the appearance of wrinkles, but this effect is temporary and has a host of risks attached, including paralysis of the wrong muscles and changes in ****** expressions. So is Botox a fountain of youth or just poison injected into your face? Like so many things in life, the answer isn’t black and white, and while this answer many not satisfy some readers, both are true to a certain extent.
What Is Botox Used For?
Cosmetically, Botox is only FDA approved for use in smoothing out wrinkles in the forehead between the eyebrows, reducing crow’s feet, forehead lines and frown lines. Additionally, Botox is used to treat various medical conditions, including:
Achalasia – an esophageal disorder characterized by difficulty swallowing
Blepharospasm – involuntary blinking
Cervical Dystonia – a neurological disorder that causes the muscles around the neck and shoulder to contract uncontrollably
Hyperhidrosis – abnormal underarm sweating
Strabismus – crossed eyes
Studies of the use of Botox in treating other ailments such as migraines and prostate problems are ongoing.
How Does Botox Work?
The everyday ****** expressions we all make, from happy to sad and everywhere in between, cause our skin to lose resilience. Cosmetic Botox injections work by blocking signals that are constantly firing from your nerves to your muscles. This causes a controlled weakening of the specific muscle targeted, and when the muscle doesn’t contract, wrinkles don’t show up as much. Noticeable improvements are usually seen within the first month after treatment.
How Is the Treatment Administered?
Botox is delivered to the muscle via a fine needle and causes little discomfort. The procedure only takes about ten minutes and requires no anesthesia. If you’re uncomfortable with needles, an icepack or anesthetic cream will do the trick.
Do I Need to Do Anything to Prepare for Botox?
Botox treatment methods vary from clinic to clinic. Some doctors recommend avoiding alcohol for one week prior to treatment and avoiding aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications for two weeks prior. This helps reduce the risk of bruising after injections.
Can Botox Be Used on Other Wrinkles?
No. Botox is only approved by the FDA for use between the eyebrows.
Will Botox affect my ability to make expressions?
You will still be able to make all the ****** expressions you always could after Botox injections, just without the wrinkles between your brows showing. Only the muscle that has been injected with Botox is paralyzed. Problems making ****** expressions arise when the wrong muscles are paralyzed, and this typically occurs when Botox is administered by someone who’s unqualified. The FDA strongly advises against attending Botox parties for this reason.
When Will I See the Effects of Botox?
Noticeable reduction of wrinkles will be seen within 2-3 days, and the full effects of Botox takes up to week to show.
How Long Does Botox Last?
The effects of a Botox injection last for approximately 4 – 6 months, and the wrinkles will return as the muscle starts to function normally again. Over time, the wrinkles will look smoother even without Botox, as the muscles are being conditioned to relax.
What Are the Side Effects of Botox?
The most common side effect of Botox is mild short-term bruising, which is caused by the mode of treatment rather than by the drug. When Botox is administered by a qualified medical professional side effects are quite rare but may include:
Allergic Reaction
Botulism – this illness is characterized by widespread paralysis and is rare when Botox is used correctly
Flu-like symptoms
Headache
Paralysis of incorrect muscles
Sagging eyelids
Stomachache
How Much Does Botox Cost?
Depending on various factors such as the experience of the doctor performing the treatment and location of the clinic, Botox typically costs from $200 to $800 per treatment.
Will My Health Insurance Pay for Botox?
Most insurers will not cover Botox for cosmetic use.
Am I A Good Candidate For Botox?
Because the procedure, which requires a short series of injections over the span of a few minutes, is a fairly simple one, most people find they are good candidates for Botox. Botox is FDA approved for use on people between the ages of 18 and 65.
Do not use Botox if you are breastfeeding.
Do not use Botox if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
If you have a neurological or muscular disorder, tell your doctor during your consultation session.
If you have any allergies, tell your doctor during your consultation session.
If you have any concerns about taking Botox treatments, be sure to bring them up to your doctor. Being informed about the process is the best way to feel comfortable about your decision. In addition, you may want to ask your doctor for references and look at some of his or her before-and-after pictures to get an idea of what to expect.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the counsel and expertise of a medical professional. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your doctor.
By: Alex Levin
About the Author:
Derived from the botulinum toxin type A, Botox is a brand name for a highly purified and diluted preparation of botulinum used in numerous medical and cosmetic applications. It is also sold under the names Dysport and Myobloc. Botox is most widely known for its use in removing wrinkles.
While the botulinum toxic itself is highly poisonous and even deadly, the same toxin in smaller doses can be used to safely treat a variety of conditions. Botox is most widely known for its use in removing wrinkles, but is also has numerous medical applications.
Botox was first used in medicine to treat strabismus, a condition in which a person’s eyes do not align normally, and blepahrospasm, or uncontrolled blinking. Today, Botox is the most commonly performed cosmetic operation in America, with over four and a half million people getting the treatment in 2007.
Does Botox Work?
Botox does work to lessen the appearance of wrinkles, but this effect is temporary and has a host of risks attached, including paralysis of the wrong muscles and changes in ****** expressions. So is Botox a fountain of youth or just poison injected into your face? Like so many things in life, the answer isn’t black and white, and while this answer many not satisfy some readers, both are true to a certain extent.
What Is Botox Used For?
Cosmetically, Botox is only FDA approved for use in smoothing out wrinkles in the forehead between the eyebrows, reducing crow’s feet, forehead lines and frown lines. Additionally, Botox is used to treat various medical conditions, including:
Achalasia – an esophageal disorder characterized by difficulty swallowing
Blepharospasm – involuntary blinking
Cervical Dystonia – a neurological disorder that causes the muscles around the neck and shoulder to contract uncontrollably
Hyperhidrosis – abnormal underarm sweating
Strabismus – crossed eyes
Studies of the use of Botox in treating other ailments such as migraines and prostate problems are ongoing.
How Does Botox Work?
The everyday ****** expressions we all make, from happy to sad and everywhere in between, cause our skin to lose resilience. Cosmetic Botox injections work by blocking signals that are constantly firing from your nerves to your muscles. This causes a controlled weakening of the specific muscle targeted, and when the muscle doesn’t contract, wrinkles don’t show up as much. Noticeable improvements are usually seen within the first month after treatment.
How Is the Treatment Administered?
Botox is delivered to the muscle via a fine needle and causes little discomfort. The procedure only takes about ten minutes and requires no anesthesia. If you’re uncomfortable with needles, an icepack or anesthetic cream will do the trick.
Do I Need to Do Anything to Prepare for Botox?
Botox treatment methods vary from clinic to clinic. Some doctors recommend avoiding alcohol for one week prior to treatment and avoiding aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications for two weeks prior. This helps reduce the risk of bruising after injections.
Can Botox Be Used on Other Wrinkles?
No. Botox is only approved by the FDA for use between the eyebrows.
Will Botox affect my ability to make expressions?
You will still be able to make all the ****** expressions you always could after Botox injections, just without the wrinkles between your brows showing. Only the muscle that has been injected with Botox is paralyzed. Problems making ****** expressions arise when the wrong muscles are paralyzed, and this typically occurs when Botox is administered by someone who’s unqualified. The FDA strongly advises against attending Botox parties for this reason.
When Will I See the Effects of Botox?
Noticeable reduction of wrinkles will be seen within 2-3 days, and the full effects of Botox takes up to week to show.
How Long Does Botox Last?
The effects of a Botox injection last for approximately 4 – 6 months, and the wrinkles will return as the muscle starts to function normally again. Over time, the wrinkles will look smoother even without Botox, as the muscles are being conditioned to relax.
What Are the Side Effects of Botox?
The most common side effect of Botox is mild short-term bruising, which is caused by the mode of treatment rather than by the drug. When Botox is administered by a qualified medical professional side effects are quite rare but may include:
Allergic Reaction
Botulism – this illness is characterized by widespread paralysis and is rare when Botox is used correctly
Flu-like symptoms
Headache
Paralysis of incorrect muscles
Sagging eyelids
Stomachache
How Much Does Botox Cost?
Depending on various factors such as the experience of the doctor performing the treatment and location of the clinic, Botox typically costs from $200 to $800 per treatment.
Will My Health Insurance Pay for Botox?
Most insurers will not cover Botox for cosmetic use.
Am I A Good Candidate For Botox?
Because the procedure, which requires a short series of injections over the span of a few minutes, is a fairly simple one, most people find they are good candidates for Botox. Botox is FDA approved for use on people between the ages of 18 and 65.
Do not use Botox if you are breastfeeding.
Do not use Botox if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
If you have a neurological or muscular disorder, tell your doctor during your consultation session.
If you have any allergies, tell your doctor during your consultation session.
If you have any concerns about taking Botox treatments, be sure to bring them up to your doctor. Being informed about the process is the best way to feel comfortable about your decision. In addition, you may want to ask your doctor for references and look at some of his or her before-and-after pictures to get an idea of what to expect.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the counsel and expertise of a medical professional. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your doctor.
By: Alex Levin
About the Author:
Alex Tatarinov-Levin is a web content editor for Yodle, a business directory and local online advertising company offering practical and innovative solutions for advertising in the 21st century. Find consumer guides, tips and articles at local.yodle.com/articles.
Oct 04 2009
Botox® (botox® Cosmetic) Wrinkle Free Solutions
BOTOX® (BOTOX® COSMETIC) Wrinkle free Solutions
Dr. Hari Muraleedharan Msc,PhD,MA
Microbiologist
It is the hottest craze. With one minute injection, within minutes your face can be youthful, devoid of any unsightly wrinkles. BOTOX® clinics are popping up all over the country, helping clients venture back a few years into their past. A hub for beauty, unblemished skin, and eternal youth. Now a day’s most of the senior film stars were using BOTOX® to keep their porcelain skin wrinkle free. Although BOTOX® has been used for other conditions in the past such as neck spasms, cranial nerve disorders and eye spasms, when the FDA finally approved BOTOX® to be used to treat wrinkles, the popularity of the toxin rose tremendously.
BOTOX® is currently the only form of botulisum toxin approved for such cosmetic purposes. It is a nonsurgical, physician-administered treatment that can temporarily reduce moderate to severe frown lines between the brows in patients 18 to 65 years of age. It is a mixture of several protoplasmic proteins that are released from cells after autolysis. BOTOX® is the brand name for a special formulation of botulinum toxin A manufactured by Allergan Inc., of Irvine, CA, U.S.A.,. BOTOX® is used to generate lines or wrinkles between the eyebrows look better. Initially, the toxin was used for eye muscle problems.
What is BOTOX® COSMETIC?
BOTOX® COSMETIC (Botulinum Toxin Type A) Purified Neurotoxin Complex is a sterile, vacuum-dried purified botulinum toxin type A, produced from fermentation of Hall strain Clostridium botulinum type A grown in a medium containing casein hydrolysate, glucose and yeast extract. It is purified from the culture solution by dialysis and a series of acid precipitations to a complex consisting of the neurotoxin, and several accessory proteins. The complex is dissolved in sterile sodium chloride solution containing albumin human and is sterile filtered (0.2 microns) prior to filling and vacuum-drying. The specific activity of BOTOX® COSMETIC is approximately 20 units/nanogram of neurotoxin protein complex. Each vial of BOTOX® COSMETIC contains 100 units (U) of Clostridium botulinum type A neurotoxin complex, 0.5 milligrams of albumin (human), and 0.9 milligrams of sodium chloride in a sterile, vacuum-dried form without a preservative.
How was this found?
United States Food and Drug Aadmistration (FDA) approved BOTOX® over 10 years ago to treat certain problems with the eye muscle. Doctors observed that some wrinkles around the eyes looked better, too. The company that makes BOTOX® tested it. They showed the FDA that BOTOX® worked and was safe for treating some kinds of wrinkles. The lines that appear between your brows actually result from muscle movement and the passage of time. Two muscles are largely responsible for frown lines between the brows. When those muscles contract, they draw the brows together. As skin becomes less elastic over time, repeated frowning can result in those moderate to severe lines between your brows. BOTOX® works by blocking nerve impulses, which reduces the movement of those muscles. With less movement, the skin surface gradually smoothes out, and the moderate to severe frown lines between your brows begin to fade. A doctor skilled in the use of BOTOX® will inject little amounts of BOTOX® into the muscle. Only the `treated muscle can’t move. BOTOX® works for about four months. As the muscle returns to normal, you will see the wrinkle again.
How is BOTOX® Tested for Potency?
The standard method for assessing the potency of BOTOX® is the LD50 Test. This test involves giving mice a single injection of the product into their abdominal cavity and seeing if they die within 3-4 days. The mice are first assigned to one of various dose groups. The aim of the test is to approximation the dose that kills 50% of the animals (hence the name “Lethal Dose 50%”). The LD value is designated as a unit (U) or a Mouse Unit (MU) of potency. The lower the LD50 value (or the U or MU), the higher the potency. Approximately 100 mice have conventionally been used to test each batch of botulinum toxins products, though Allergan has claimed that the company has significantly reduced this number. Depending on the dose injected and the potency of the batch being assessed, the test animals experience differing levels of muscular paralysis and impaired vision. The end point of the LD50 Test is death, usually by suffocation after the respiratory muscle becomes paralyzed.
Background of hazardous bacterial toxin as a biological weapon
The term “toxin” means the toxic material of plants, animals, microorganisms, viruses, fungi, or infectious substances, or a recombinant molecule, whatever its origin or method of production, including – (A) any poisonous substance or biological product that may be engineered as a result of biotechnology produced by a living organism; or (B) any poisonous isomer or biological product, homolog, or derivative of such a substance.
Over 60 years ago, botulinum toxin was first developed as a biological weapon; it can be aerosolised, or used to contaminate food, and the estimated lethal oral dose is 70 µg. Botulism is a rare paralytic disease caused by botulinum neurotoxin (BT), a protein produced by the soil anaerobic bacteria Clostridium botulinum. Eight types of Cl. botulinum have been identified (Types A, B, C1, C2, D, E, F, G) based on the immunological diversity in the toxins produced by them. The toxins are proteins with molecular weights of approximately 70,000 mgD. Botulinum toxin is the most poisonous substance known and the microorganism that manufactures it is relatively easy to isolate from nature and to culture. The only problem is making sure that oxygen is excluded from cultures. Despite its large size, the toxin molecule is stable enough to be dispersed as an aerosol. The toxin was considered for use as a major biological weapon by Britain and Japan during the 1930’s and there are suggestions that it was used by the Japanese to poison streams used as water sources by the Soviets. It has also been suggested that either the microorganism or the toxin were incorporated into grenades used in the assassination of the Reinhard Gehlen, Hitler’s likely successor and Reichsprotektor of Czechoslovakia.
A biological warfare attack with botulinum toxin delivered by aerosol will expected to cause symptoms similar in most respects to those observed with food-borne botulism. Commercially this organism attacked in canned food industry due to contamination. Proper sterilization will remove these organisms. In pure form, the toxin is a white crystalline substance, which is readily dissolvable in water, but decays rapidly in the open air. The lethal dose of toxin is very minute amount, for mice, its amount is 0.000,000,033 mg .The lethal dose of human being is probably 1-2 µg. It is a neurotoxin and acts gradually, taking several hours to kill.
Naturally-occurring cases of botulism arise from food spoiling in the absence of oxygen in canned foods. The commonest source historically has been spoiled meat, notably sausage (the species name derives from the Latin botulus meaning “sausage”) and poultry (especially duck), and improperly sterilized canned foods. The neurotoxin produced from Clostridium tetani (tetanus toxin)another bacteria from some genus is encountered by humans as a result of wounds and remains a serious public health problem in developing countries around the world.
How long does the effect last?
BOTOX® can help by reducing the over activity of the muscles very quickly. In fact, most people begin to see results within the first two weeks. Generally, BOTOX® provides release of spasticity in the injected muscle for over three months (12-14 weeks). Then patients begin to notice a gradual fading of its effects over several weeks. At this point the doctor can give another treatment. BOTOX® treatment may be required three or four times a year. It is not given more frequently than every three months.
Side effects may include:
All prescriptions may have some side effects. With BOTOX®, side effects are usually transient and mild to moderate in nature. Side effects are usually temporary, and BOTOX® is generally well tolerated. Mild bruising or swelling may occur at the site of the injection. The treatment may also cause a brief headache. In rare cases, the injections may cause the eyebrow or upper eyelid to droop, but this condition is temporary and corrects itself without treatment within 2 to 3 weeks. The effects of BOTOX® may be increased with the use of certain antibiotics or other drugs that interfere with neuromuscular transmission. Ensure your doctor is aware of any current medications you are taking. If you have any questions regarding the use of BOTOX® treatment, please consult your doctor. Some side effects includes
• Droopy eyelids, which can last for a few weeks
• Feeling like you have the flu
• Headache and upset stomach
• Risk of botulism (a life or death illness that makes it hard for a person to move the arms and legs or to breathe) is low with BOTOX® if used the right way
Most patients experience minimal pain or discomfort following injections. Swelling and puffiness at the site of the injection usually subside within a few days. Care must be taken to keep the head upright and avoid massaging the treated area, so that the BOTOX® affects only the desired areas.
Who Markets BOTOX®?
BOTOX® is marketed by Allergan, Incorporated, which describes itself as “a global specialty pharmaceutical company that develops and commercializes innovative products for the eye care, neuromodulator, skin care and other specialty markets.” Allergan made over $1.2 billion dollars in net BOTOX® sales in 2007. 50% of that ($606 million) came from BOTOX® COSMETIC. Total yearly sales of BOTOX® increased 406% between 2000 and 2007. Net sales in 2007 for all Allergan products reached $3.88 billion, of which BOTOX® and BOTOX® COSMETIC accounted for 31%.
In order to learn more specifically about the product BOTOX® please visit the official Allergan site, where you can also find listings of private offices offering a variety of services to treat many aesthetic issues, such as wrinkle reduction. Most wrinkles may be treated with BOTOX® injections.
References:
1. Wang YC, Burr DH, Korthals GJ, Sugiyama H. Acute toxicity of aminoglycoside antibiotics as an aid in detecting botulism. Appl Environ Microbiol 1984; 48:951-955.
2. Allergan (ELN 1145) BOTOX® COSMETIC (Botulinum Toxin Type A) Purified Neurotoxin Complex(Glabellar Lines) Manufactured by: Allergan Pharmaceuticals (Ireland) Ltd. A subsidiary of: Allergan, Inc. 2525 Dupont Dr. Irvine, California 92612.
3. Bazbek Davletov, Mark Bajohrs and Thomas Binz, Beyond BOTOX: advantages and limitations of individual botulinum neurotoxins, TRENDS in Neurosciences Vol.28 No.8 August 2005.
4. Harimuraleedharan , Book: Bioterrorism (Releasing book review),Tamilnadu book house,Chapter:Biological agents/clostridium.
5. Teguh Thajeb, Yi-Min Chen, Dao-Fu Dai, Daniel Daile Thajeb, Peterus Thajeb Botulism: A Frequently Forgotten Old Malady, Review Article, International Journal of Gerontology | September 2007 | Vol 1 | No 3.
6. Lewis, C. (2002) Botox Cosmetic: A look at looking good. FDA Consumer Magazine July–August, 1–4 .
Guidelines for BOTOX® Reconstitution
1.
Using the reconstitution needle, draw up the proper amount of saline (see dilution table) in the appropriately sized sterile syringe. A 21-gauge, 1®-inch needle is recommended for reconstitution. Reconstituted BOTOX® neurotoxin should be clear, colorless, and free of particulate matter.
2.
Insert the needle at a 45º angle and slowly inject the saline into the BOTOX® vial. Vacuum is present in the vial, which demonstrates that the sterility of the vial is intact. Do not use the vial if the vacuum does not pull the saline into the vial.
3.
Release the vacuum by disconnecting the syringe from the needle and allowing air to flow into the vial. Gently mix BOTOX® neurotoxin with the saline by moving vial side-to-side or rotating the vial.
4.
Draw the fluid into the injection syringe by placing the needle into the bottom corner of the vial for full extraction. Do not completely invert the vial.
5.
Disconnect the injection syringe from the vial and attach an appropriate needle for injection. A 25-, 27-, or 30-gauge needle may be used for superficial muscles, and a longer 22-gauge needle may be used for deeper musculature.
Note: Because the product and diluent do not contain a preservative, use within 4 hours once opened and reconstituted. During the 4 hours, BOTOX® solution should be stored in a refrigerator at 2ºC to 8ºC.
By: Dr HariMuralidharan
About the Author:
Dr. Hari Muraleedharan Msc,PhD,MA
Microbiologist
It is the hottest craze. With one minute injection, within minutes your face can be youthful, devoid of any unsightly wrinkles. BOTOX® clinics are popping up all over the country, helping clients venture back a few years into their past. A hub for beauty, unblemished skin, and eternal youth. Now a day’s most of the senior film stars were using BOTOX® to keep their porcelain skin wrinkle free. Although BOTOX® has been used for other conditions in the past such as neck spasms, cranial nerve disorders and eye spasms, when the FDA finally approved BOTOX® to be used to treat wrinkles, the popularity of the toxin rose tremendously.
BOTOX® is currently the only form of botulisum toxin approved for such cosmetic purposes. It is a nonsurgical, physician-administered treatment that can temporarily reduce moderate to severe frown lines between the brows in patients 18 to 65 years of age. It is a mixture of several protoplasmic proteins that are released from cells after autolysis. BOTOX® is the brand name for a special formulation of botulinum toxin A manufactured by Allergan Inc., of Irvine, CA, U.S.A.,. BOTOX® is used to generate lines or wrinkles between the eyebrows look better. Initially, the toxin was used for eye muscle problems.
What is BOTOX® COSMETIC?
BOTOX® COSMETIC (Botulinum Toxin Type A) Purified Neurotoxin Complex is a sterile, vacuum-dried purified botulinum toxin type A, produced from fermentation of Hall strain Clostridium botulinum type A grown in a medium containing casein hydrolysate, glucose and yeast extract. It is purified from the culture solution by dialysis and a series of acid precipitations to a complex consisting of the neurotoxin, and several accessory proteins. The complex is dissolved in sterile sodium chloride solution containing albumin human and is sterile filtered (0.2 microns) prior to filling and vacuum-drying. The specific activity of BOTOX® COSMETIC is approximately 20 units/nanogram of neurotoxin protein complex. Each vial of BOTOX® COSMETIC contains 100 units (U) of Clostridium botulinum type A neurotoxin complex, 0.5 milligrams of albumin (human), and 0.9 milligrams of sodium chloride in a sterile, vacuum-dried form without a preservative.
How was this found?
United States Food and Drug Aadmistration (FDA) approved BOTOX® over 10 years ago to treat certain problems with the eye muscle. Doctors observed that some wrinkles around the eyes looked better, too. The company that makes BOTOX® tested it. They showed the FDA that BOTOX® worked and was safe for treating some kinds of wrinkles. The lines that appear between your brows actually result from muscle movement and the passage of time. Two muscles are largely responsible for frown lines between the brows. When those muscles contract, they draw the brows together. As skin becomes less elastic over time, repeated frowning can result in those moderate to severe lines between your brows. BOTOX® works by blocking nerve impulses, which reduces the movement of those muscles. With less movement, the skin surface gradually smoothes out, and the moderate to severe frown lines between your brows begin to fade. A doctor skilled in the use of BOTOX® will inject little amounts of BOTOX® into the muscle. Only the `treated muscle can’t move. BOTOX® works for about four months. As the muscle returns to normal, you will see the wrinkle again.
How is BOTOX® Tested for Potency?
The standard method for assessing the potency of BOTOX® is the LD50 Test. This test involves giving mice a single injection of the product into their abdominal cavity and seeing if they die within 3-4 days. The mice are first assigned to one of various dose groups. The aim of the test is to approximation the dose that kills 50% of the animals (hence the name “Lethal Dose 50%”). The LD value is designated as a unit (U) or a Mouse Unit (MU) of potency. The lower the LD50 value (or the U or MU), the higher the potency. Approximately 100 mice have conventionally been used to test each batch of botulinum toxins products, though Allergan has claimed that the company has significantly reduced this number. Depending on the dose injected and the potency of the batch being assessed, the test animals experience differing levels of muscular paralysis and impaired vision. The end point of the LD50 Test is death, usually by suffocation after the respiratory muscle becomes paralyzed.
Background of hazardous bacterial toxin as a biological weapon
The term “toxin” means the toxic material of plants, animals, microorganisms, viruses, fungi, or infectious substances, or a recombinant molecule, whatever its origin or method of production, including – (A) any poisonous substance or biological product that may be engineered as a result of biotechnology produced by a living organism; or (B) any poisonous isomer or biological product, homolog, or derivative of such a substance.
Over 60 years ago, botulinum toxin was first developed as a biological weapon; it can be aerosolised, or used to contaminate food, and the estimated lethal oral dose is 70 µg. Botulism is a rare paralytic disease caused by botulinum neurotoxin (BT), a protein produced by the soil anaerobic bacteria Clostridium botulinum. Eight types of Cl. botulinum have been identified (Types A, B, C1, C2, D, E, F, G) based on the immunological diversity in the toxins produced by them. The toxins are proteins with molecular weights of approximately 70,000 mgD. Botulinum toxin is the most poisonous substance known and the microorganism that manufactures it is relatively easy to isolate from nature and to culture. The only problem is making sure that oxygen is excluded from cultures. Despite its large size, the toxin molecule is stable enough to be dispersed as an aerosol. The toxin was considered for use as a major biological weapon by Britain and Japan during the 1930’s and there are suggestions that it was used by the Japanese to poison streams used as water sources by the Soviets. It has also been suggested that either the microorganism or the toxin were incorporated into grenades used in the assassination of the Reinhard Gehlen, Hitler’s likely successor and Reichsprotektor of Czechoslovakia.
A biological warfare attack with botulinum toxin delivered by aerosol will expected to cause symptoms similar in most respects to those observed with food-borne botulism. Commercially this organism attacked in canned food industry due to contamination. Proper sterilization will remove these organisms. In pure form, the toxin is a white crystalline substance, which is readily dissolvable in water, but decays rapidly in the open air. The lethal dose of toxin is very minute amount, for mice, its amount is 0.000,000,033 mg .The lethal dose of human being is probably 1-2 µg. It is a neurotoxin and acts gradually, taking several hours to kill.
Naturally-occurring cases of botulism arise from food spoiling in the absence of oxygen in canned foods. The commonest source historically has been spoiled meat, notably sausage (the species name derives from the Latin botulus meaning “sausage”) and poultry (especially duck), and improperly sterilized canned foods. The neurotoxin produced from Clostridium tetani (tetanus toxin)another bacteria from some genus is encountered by humans as a result of wounds and remains a serious public health problem in developing countries around the world.
How long does the effect last?
BOTOX® can help by reducing the over activity of the muscles very quickly. In fact, most people begin to see results within the first two weeks. Generally, BOTOX® provides release of spasticity in the injected muscle for over three months (12-14 weeks). Then patients begin to notice a gradual fading of its effects over several weeks. At this point the doctor can give another treatment. BOTOX® treatment may be required three or four times a year. It is not given more frequently than every three months.
Side effects may include:
All prescriptions may have some side effects. With BOTOX®, side effects are usually transient and mild to moderate in nature. Side effects are usually temporary, and BOTOX® is generally well tolerated. Mild bruising or swelling may occur at the site of the injection. The treatment may also cause a brief headache. In rare cases, the injections may cause the eyebrow or upper eyelid to droop, but this condition is temporary and corrects itself without treatment within 2 to 3 weeks. The effects of BOTOX® may be increased with the use of certain antibiotics or other drugs that interfere with neuromuscular transmission. Ensure your doctor is aware of any current medications you are taking. If you have any questions regarding the use of BOTOX® treatment, please consult your doctor. Some side effects includes
• Droopy eyelids, which can last for a few weeks
• Feeling like you have the flu
• Headache and upset stomach
• Risk of botulism (a life or death illness that makes it hard for a person to move the arms and legs or to breathe) is low with BOTOX® if used the right way
Most patients experience minimal pain or discomfort following injections. Swelling and puffiness at the site of the injection usually subside within a few days. Care must be taken to keep the head upright and avoid massaging the treated area, so that the BOTOX® affects only the desired areas.
Who Markets BOTOX®?
BOTOX® is marketed by Allergan, Incorporated, which describes itself as “a global specialty pharmaceutical company that develops and commercializes innovative products for the eye care, neuromodulator, skin care and other specialty markets.” Allergan made over $1.2 billion dollars in net BOTOX® sales in 2007. 50% of that ($606 million) came from BOTOX® COSMETIC. Total yearly sales of BOTOX® increased 406% between 2000 and 2007. Net sales in 2007 for all Allergan products reached $3.88 billion, of which BOTOX® and BOTOX® COSMETIC accounted for 31%.
In order to learn more specifically about the product BOTOX® please visit the official Allergan site, where you can also find listings of private offices offering a variety of services to treat many aesthetic issues, such as wrinkle reduction. Most wrinkles may be treated with BOTOX® injections.
References:
1. Wang YC, Burr DH, Korthals GJ, Sugiyama H. Acute toxicity of aminoglycoside antibiotics as an aid in detecting botulism. Appl Environ Microbiol 1984; 48:951-955.
2. Allergan (ELN 1145) BOTOX® COSMETIC (Botulinum Toxin Type A) Purified Neurotoxin Complex(Glabellar Lines) Manufactured by: Allergan Pharmaceuticals (Ireland) Ltd. A subsidiary of: Allergan, Inc. 2525 Dupont Dr. Irvine, California 92612.
3. Bazbek Davletov, Mark Bajohrs and Thomas Binz, Beyond BOTOX: advantages and limitations of individual botulinum neurotoxins, TRENDS in Neurosciences Vol.28 No.8 August 2005.
4. Harimuraleedharan , Book: Bioterrorism (Releasing book review),Tamilnadu book house,Chapter:Biological agents/clostridium.
5. Teguh Thajeb, Yi-Min Chen, Dao-Fu Dai, Daniel Daile Thajeb, Peterus Thajeb Botulism: A Frequently Forgotten Old Malady, Review Article, International Journal of Gerontology | September 2007 | Vol 1 | No 3.
6. Lewis, C. (2002) Botox Cosmetic: A look at looking good. FDA Consumer Magazine July–August, 1–4 .
Guidelines for BOTOX® Reconstitution
1.
Using the reconstitution needle, draw up the proper amount of saline (see dilution table) in the appropriately sized sterile syringe. A 21-gauge, 1®-inch needle is recommended for reconstitution. Reconstituted BOTOX® neurotoxin should be clear, colorless, and free of particulate matter.
2.
Insert the needle at a 45º angle and slowly inject the saline into the BOTOX® vial. Vacuum is present in the vial, which demonstrates that the sterility of the vial is intact. Do not use the vial if the vacuum does not pull the saline into the vial.
3.
Release the vacuum by disconnecting the syringe from the needle and allowing air to flow into the vial. Gently mix BOTOX® neurotoxin with the saline by moving vial side-to-side or rotating the vial.
4.
Draw the fluid into the injection syringe by placing the needle into the bottom corner of the vial for full extraction. Do not completely invert the vial.
5.
Disconnect the injection syringe from the vial and attach an appropriate needle for injection. A 25-, 27-, or 30-gauge needle may be used for superficial muscles, and a longer 22-gauge needle may be used for deeper musculature.
Note: Because the product and diluent do not contain a preservative, use within 4 hours once opened and reconstituted. During the 4 hours, BOTOX® solution should be stored in a refrigerator at 2ºC to 8ºC.
By: Dr HariMuralidharan
About the Author:
R&D scientist
MIOBIO Biological Reserach Center(MBRC)
Bnaglore
info@miobio.com
www.miobio.in
