Can Botox cause flu-like symptoms?

Question

I am a 27 y/o male. Two days ago, I had a Botox procedure between my eyebrows (five shots). This morning, with no apparent reason, I woke with a full range of flu symptoms, severe muscle pain, etc. Can Botox cause flu-like symptoms?

Timothy R. Miller, MD · Answer

Yes, mild flu-like symptoms can be caused by Botox but is rare.  Quite often it is secondary to something else and is coincidental.  However, the treating physician should be contacted, especially if you have severe muscle pain as this is unusual.  The mild flu-like symptoms I mentioned before usually passes quickly and does not necssarily mean you will have these symptoms the next time you have Botox.I hope this helps.

Scott Wells, MD · Answer

According to the original studies, the presence of fatigue, muscular weakness, and headaches are all possible adverse side effects of Botox injections.  Interestingly, however, these symptoms were also present in a number of patients who were given a placebo and not given Botox.  So, whereas it is possible to have these types of symptoms, it is not necessarily attributable to the Botox and does not necessarily indicate a direct adversa effect from a Botox injection.

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

A rare side effect of Botox is flue-like symptoms.  Usually it is from a large dosage of Botox and typically not the amounts used for cosmetic purposes.  If you are feeling ill you should inform your treating physician immediately.

Can Botox cause flu-like symptoms?

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Can Botox cause flu-like symptoms?

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Everything you need to know about Botox

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