Allergic to Sulfa Drugs. Are Restylane and Juvederm Safe?

There are remarkably few allergic reactions to the HA fillers.  This have been one of the important aspects of these products.  Yes the are rare allergic reactions to these products but much less frequent than what was seen with the Collagen fillers.  Specifically, there is no evidence that those who have a sulfa allergies are at increase risk of also having an allergic reaction to the HA fillers.

If someone is allergic to Sulfa they do not have to avoid having Restylane or Sulfa allergies.  These molecules do not cross react.

Both Juvederm and Restylane are antigen-free synthetically derived hyaluronic acid based fillers.  Hyaluronic acid (HA) is substance found abundantly in the human body, making up both intracellular and extracellular matrix.  Therefore, allergy to HA is virtually impossible.  Neither filler has any sulfa component in it.

Sulfa allergy is not a contraindication to hyaluronic acid filler (Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm) treatment. I have never seen a complication related to sulfa allergy with these treatments.Stephen Weber MD, FACS

I am not aware of a contraindication for Juvederm or Restylane injections if you have a sulfa allergy. These filler materials are made up of hyaluronic acid, which is found naturally in your body. If you are still unsure, you may want to contact the companies to make you more comfortable.

There is no cross reactivity between fillers and sulfa. Fillers do not contain sulfa so this is not an issue.

There is no cross-reactivity between Sulfa & Hyaluronic acid present in Restylane & Juvederm. Both are safe to use in cases of Sulfa allergy.

Sulfa allergy does NOT impact the safe use of either Restylane, Perlane or Juvederm. Sulfa is a synthetic antibiotic widely used to treat urinary tract infections. It is COMPLETELY and structurally different from hyaluronic acid. Moreover, Hyaluronic acid, the building block of Restylane, Perlane or Juvederm is naturally found in our bodies (joints, eye gel) and is not associated with primary allergic reactions.  As a result a sulfa or any other antibiotic allergy is NOT a contraindication for the use of Restylane, Perlane or Juvederm.

Peter A Aldea, MD

There is no sulfa in Restylane or Juvederm.  So you should not have any problem being injected.  Allergic reactions are rare with these products.

Having a sulfa allergy is NOT a contraindication to Juvederm injections. Juvederm is Hyaluronic Acid based filler - Hyaluronic Acid is naturally found in your body and therefore very unlikely to become an allergen.  It is extremely rare that anyone would have an allergic reaction to Juvederm.  

Dr. Grant Stevens