Slight differences between Botox and Dysport

Botox Cosmetic and Botox (made by Allergan) and Dysport (made by Medicis) are U.S. FDA approved to treat expression lines/facial wrinkles; both are derived from a botulinum protein type A.

However, like any drug, there are nuances among them.

Dysport has been reported to take effect within 4 to 7 days, and last up to 4 months; it is dosed based on your muscle contraction or action.

Botox has been reported to take effect with 5 to 7 days, and last 3 to 4 months, and dosing is based on specific rates of dilution.

Dysport was FDA-approved for use in the US on April 30, 2009.  At last, we have options for injectable wrinkle treatment!  Dysport was originally to be marketed in the US under the name "Reloxin", but the FDA decided that the original name should be used and did not allow the new name.  

Dysport and Botox are made by different companies, but they have the same basic structure and they work in the same way.  There are some slight differences between the two:

1.  Dysport "kicks in" a little more quickly than Botox. Botox usually takes effect after 5-7 days, while Dysport's effects are noticable as early as 1-2 days after treatment.

2.  Dysport and Botox "units" are not the same, so you can't expect to use the same number of Dysport units that you are used to using in Botox units. The ratio of Dysport to Botox units is generally 2.5-3: 1 (2.5-3 times more Dysport units per Botox unit).

3.  Dysport lasts at least as long as Botox does (3-4 months), but there have been some studies in Europre which show Dysport lasts longer than Botox. We'll just have to see how it plays out here in the US.

I have personally used Dysport and have found it to be quite comparable to Botox regarding results. The cost of Dysport is favorable, and I think we'll see Allergan (the makers of Botox) offering more rebates and incentives to keep people loyal to their brand. 

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