Can Xeomin Succeed as New Botox Alternative?
Makenzie on 5 Aug 2011 at 3:00pm
Xeomin was recently FDA approved as the newest Botox competitor for wrinkles. Just like its rival, Xeomin contains the active ingredient botulinum toxin type A. And like the other contender, Dysport, it’s being hyped as “better than Botox.”
The only Xeomin reviewer on RealSelf seems to agree with this: “I have been using Botox [for muscle spasms] and I think Xeomin lasted longer.”
Another benefit is that it doesn’t have to be refrigerated. And it’s preparation method is the same as Botox, so doctors won’t have to learn a whole new process.
But not everyone predicts a stampede from Camp B to Camp X.
“For most people, better than Botox means that it does the same thing as Botox but lasts longer,” says Fresno oculoplastic surgeon Dr. Peter Truong. “I do not expect that there will be any such drug because the duration of action for botulinum neurotoxin type A has more to do with how long the nerves take to regenerate rather than anything intrinsic to the drug.”
In an expansive article on In Your Face, a handful of docs weigh-in on the potential threat to Botox’s success:
Xeomin is approved as a cosmetic procedure in 14 countries in the European Union, including Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy and Spain, under the brand name Bocouture. Based on that experience, some doctors predict that Xeomin won’t have much effect on the popularity of Botox.
“I do not see a great impact on the marketplace. It has been available in Europe for eight years and has not seemed to make much impact there I am told,” said dermatologic surgeon Dr. David Sire of Fullerton.
“From what I have heard, in other countries where it is approved, it has taken over market share from Dysport more than it has from Botox,” said dermatologist Lorrie Klein of Laguna Niguel. “I predict it will be used by physicians and patients who are already willing to use an alternative to the Botox brand, but those who want Botox will continue wanting it.”
Since “Botox” is used more and more to describe any and all face injectables, competitors have a steep hill to climb to put even the slightest dent in their success. If you’ve had any experience with Xeomin, let us know what you think!
Today is day five. Much to my surprise, the Xeomin seems to be in full effect!
Yesterday, I noticed some subtle changes - I couldn't express certain muscles to the extent I was able to when I received the injections, however, the improvement was very subtle.
Most people that I've spoken to saw the effects in 1.5 weeks - and didn't see any gradual changes, meaning, they saw no effects for a week and a half, and just when they thought it was going to do nothing whatsoever, it took full effect.
I'm really surprised to see results in just a few days!
So it sounds like thus far you're pleased? Awesome to hear it's working sooner than expected.
How long did it take for you to notice results from Botox or Dysport?
Wow, you'll have quite the inside scoop on what works best! I hope you'll come back and let us know how the Xeomin works for you.