Dysport is the latest neuromuscular blocking agent available. The generic name of the medication is abobotulinumtoxinA. Dysport is a direct competitor to botulinum toxin type A, trade name Botox(r). While there are technical differences between the two medications, the base content of both is botulinum toxin type A which causes paralysis of muscles by blocking the transmission of the chemical agent acetylcholine which tells muscles when to move. By paralyzing certain muslces of the face, the overlying skin wrinkles can be relaxed and wrinles produced with muscle motion will be reduced.
Dysport was approved for use in the United States in 2009 though it has been in use in other countries for several years. Dysport is approved for cosmetic use to treat the lines between the brows, the glabellar furrows. It is supplied as either a 300 unit or 500 unit vial and requires reconstitution. The doseage of Dysport is different from the dosing for Botox. The suggested starting dose for treatment of glabellar furrows with Dysport is 50 units as opposed to 20 units for Botox.
Dysport is reported to last about 3 months, though some studies have indicated it may last slightly longer. The current cost in the United States is less than the cost of Botox. Side effects are similar between the two drugs. The only additional warning that comes with Dysport but not Botox is that patients who have a milk allergy, not just lactose intolerance, should avoice using Dysport.
