I think I had an allergic reaction to Botox/Dysport. I want to try it again. Is there a test to see if I'm allergic?

Question

Hello 7 years ago I received Botox / Dysport (unsure which one) in my forehead in the afternoon. By dinner time I was so dizzy I could not see anything - the room was spinning! I went to ER and they said I was likely allergic to the Botox/dysport. However I have terrible TMJ issues and I’m also interested in fixing my aging forehead... is there a way I can test to see if I’m allergic? I don’t want to die!!!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

You can request a patch test where a small amount of Botox is injected into the arm.  Then you will be monitored for allergic reaction.  This should help identify if it is recommended for you to proceed with further Botox treatments.

Prem Tripathi, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.
Allergies to Botox / Dysport and the like are very rare, and while these are both used to treat migraines, they can also trigger temporary headaches / migraines due to muscle spasm from the needle (not the product) and / or the preservatives in the product. Migraines can and frequently manifest as dizziness. I do not know of any test to tell you whether you are "allergic" to the toxin because the product in and of itself, a toxin. 
Best of luck!

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  I would try obtaining your medial records to see what was used at your initial treatment,  and then pursue a “patch” test with a product.  Most likely the original treatment did not cause your symptoms, but best to be careful.  Hope this helps.

Deniz Sarhaddi, MD · Answer

Hi There! an allergy to botox/dysport is pretty rare, but very possible. there are multiple things to take into account. it sounds like your reaction was pretty severe, so i recommend be super careful and certainly consulting with your physician. 
botox and dysport are both made with certain proteins that serve as "carriers" for the product. if you have an allergy to cows milk protein, then you should not be treated with these. Xeomin does not have carrier proteins, so this MIGHT be an option for you. 
You may have had an allergy to the saline used to reconstitute the botox/dysport. If preserved saline (which has bacteriostatic agent benzyl alcohol in it), was used, you may have had an allergy to the preservative. 
again, i would be incredibly careful before pursuing more treatment, as your reaction was severe. it would help to know exactly what was used (what kind of saline, which product, and if a topical numbing cream was used, which one). 
good luck!!

I think I had an allergic reaction to Botox/Dysport. I want to try it again. Is there a test to see if I'm allergic?

Answers (4)

Answer: Allergy could be to any of multiple things

Answer: Allergy could be to any of multiple things

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I think I had an allergic reaction to Botox/Dysport. I want to try it again. Is there a test to see if I'm allergic?

Answers (4)

Answer: Allergy could be to any of multiple things

Answer: Allergy could be to any of multiple things

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Botox

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.