Can botox trigger an autoimmune response (very mild neutropenia)?

Question

I have very mild neutropenia (does not affect my everyday life) and I recently got botox in my forehead to lift my eyebrows (I am only in my mid 20s so it was not used for wrinkle purposes). I have had no side effects apart from a mild headache which is slowly subsiding. I was just wondering whether I should be worried about a potential future autoimmune response from having botox (1 week ago)? Just looking for some reassurance! Many thanks!

James R. Gordon, MD, FACS, FAAO · Answer

There has been no supportive evidence that Botox triggers or worsens autoimmune disease. If you plan on using Botox, inform your rheumatologist just to be extra cautious. Your illness does not seem to be that of autoimmune disease. I hope you find this helpful.

John Louis Ratz, MD · Answer

First of all, mild neutropenia by itself is probably not an auto-immune condition. Auto-immume diseases are genetically pre-disposed conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and many others. These can be triggered by almost anything, and Botox is not exempt. I'm not aware of any reports of Botox triggering auto-immune disease, but it certainly is in the realm of possibility.         jlr

Melvin Elson, MD · Answer

You have no reason to be concerned. There is no evidence after many years of use in millions of patients to link Botox and any type of immune disease

Can botox trigger an autoimmune response (very mild neutropenia)?

Answers (3)