Allergic Reaction to Botox...When Will the Symptoms Go Away??? Doctor Answers, Tips
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Allergic Reaction to Botox...When Will the Symptoms Go Away???

I received Botox for the second time for my face and 3 days later was covered in hives, a sunburn like itchy burning rash over my torso, neck, chest and hands. The first botox treatment caused no such reaction. My Dr. put me on prednisone for a 10 day treatment. It has now been over 9 days since the botox, 6 days since being on the prednisone, and I am still itchy with hives that come and go. There are no hives on my face where I received the botox. When will this go away!!!

8 Doctor Answers | Asked by stage
+1

Possible Allergy-like symptoms to Botox

Contrary to what panel members are suggesting, we have had personal experience with a staff member that developed an allergy to both Dysport and Botox that was not an immediate response but progressed to this because she was unaware of the link to the Botox injections. We have also met two other practitioners that have reported an allergy (not resistance only) to these products that do not involve flu-like symptoms such as nausea/vomiting. In our staff member's... more
+1

Good question for your treating physician.

This type of allergic reaction is very rare. However, that really does not matter. What matters is what your body does. Please do not have BOTOX, Dysport, or Xeomin or any botulinum toxin treatment. Place this information in your wallet or on the back of your drivers license. I would recommend seeing an allergist to have formal testing to determine precisely what you had an allergic reaction to. Also it is possible that the allergist will recommend that... more
+1

Botox reaction

It is very rare to get a reaction from Botox. In fact, I have been treating patients with Botox for 15 years and have not heard of any problems like this from Botox. It is more likely the hives are from something else. You might add an anti-histamine and see a Dermatologist for a more thorough evaluation.

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+1

It is very unlikely that Botox will cause hives

There are many causes for hives (foods, medications, and infections for example) so it is highly unlikely your hives are caused by your previous Botox injections. There are also much better (and safer) treatments for hives then using Prednisone. Antihistamines are typically the mainstay of treatment. I recommend you see a board certified dermatologist for evaluation and treatment of your hives. No need to contact Allergan at this time as they will likely tell you the same thing. more
+1

I have not seen a systemic rash or hives in any of my patients that received Botox.

Thanks for your interesting question. Botox injections are a regular part of my practice, and I have not seen a systemic allergy as you describe. You may want to get a second opinion from a certified dermatologist to help determine the cause of your rash and hives. You may also want to call Allergan, the manufacturer of Botox, to discuss your concerns: BOTOX® Cosmetic Allergan, Inc. P.O. Box 19534 Irvine, CA 92623 USA 1-800-433-8871 Hope this helps. Dr. Joseph more
+1

Botox and hives

In my opinion, and after having injected Botox for nearly 20 years (long before FDA approval even), these two things are unrelated. If you are allergic to Botox, the allergy would be immediate - starting within minutes - of being injected and would result in more than just a rash (like nausea, vomiting, throat closing, etc.) Additionally, since you had Botox previously and had no such reaction, you cannot be allergic to this extent now. I would suggest you sit down with your physician and go... more
+1

Allergic Reaction to Botox...When Will the Symptoms Go Away???

You really should consider seeing an allergist for evaluation and possible treatment if you think this represents an allergic reaction to the Botox injections. Ask the MD, that did the Botox injections, for a referral.
+1

Botox on the face and hives on the body

Allergies to Botox are very rare and if they occur, a true allergy would be manifested immediately not three days later. There are other type of drug reactions that can be delayed. It might be a component in the Botox or a component in the liquid used to dilute the Botox. You should see an allergist to whom the doctor who did your Botox refers you so they can provide the allergist with a sample of the diluent (liquid used to dissolve the Botox) and the Botox after diluted. The... more
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Comments (3)

Tracy14 20 Mar 2013
I broke out in hives 2 days after my 3rd botox treatment. I also now have a severe rash on my face and neck that feels like a bad sunburn. I feel muscle weakness and slight flu like. Also anxiety which I might have brought on myself. I know it is the BOTOX. Why does everyone want to dismiss this? My Doc told me you can develop an allergy at any time and I should never have it again as it will get worse! Horrible stuff!
lotsolove 27 Jan 2013
Help, how long did it take for your hives to dissipate? I have the same thing and I KNOW it was from the Botox (I despise ignorant doctors who deny this). I also cannot straighten my left elbow and other symptoms but I am hoping so very much this will go away!!
marta35 4 Jan 2013

I had Botox twice and both times was covered in hives, itchy rash all over my body and face. The hives also appeared a few days after injections, not the same day, and lasted for about a month. The second time I had to take a steroids to stop the hives. Just because there is not enough data about all the side effects, Doctors - please do not dismiss that it's not from Botox!

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