Flu like symptoms after cosmetic Botox injection. Any suggestions?

Question

I have received 44 u of botox for my 11s and eyes on Monday, on Thursday i started feeling flu like symptoms . It was 3rd day after injection. I have low grade fever, upper body ache, I feel weak in my arms and fatigue all over, I have little cough and sore throat. NO headache. Would it be possible side effect of my injection? If yes is there anything I can do to make this go away faster? How long it will last? I'm first time botox user and I'm 47 health, fit women. I exercise daily, no health problems.

Kevin M. Johnson, MD, FACS · Answer

There are quite a few patients who have asked on RealSelf
if flu-like symptoms are a side effect of BOTOX. While the timing may suggest
otherwise, BOTOX does not cause these types of symptoms. The most common side
effects are swelling, bruising, and redness in the treatment area. The small
amount of BOTOX injected during cosmetic treatments remains localized in the
vast majority of cases. It is fine to treat any flu-like symptoms you experience.
If they persist, I recommend that you see your primary care physician. Best
wishes.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello, Thank you for your questions. These are not typically symptoms that one develops after injections. I'd recommend booking an appointment with your physician. Best.

Kory Kitagawa, MD · Answer

It is highly unlikely that your flu symptoms are related to your Botox injections. It is far more likely that you simply happened to coincidentally get sick following your injections. I would recommend visiting your family doctor for a checkup to see what’s wrong and how to manage it.

M. David Cole, MD, FAAD · Answer

I would say that it is very unlikely that these symptoms are related to a standard Botox injection.  It is more likely that this is a coincidence.  You may be actually getting sick with the flu, so I would follow up with this to a primary care doctor.

Alim R. Devani, MD, FRCPC · Answer

Thanks for your question. This is a question that we
get asked often by our patients. The most common SIDE-EFFECTS of toxin
injections include: Swelling, Redness, and Bruising at the site of injection. Complications
are rare and only temporary, but may include paralysis of other nearby
muscles, temporary eyelid ptosis (dropping of eyelids, 2% risk, lasts 2-3
weeks), temporary brow ptosis (dropping of eyebrows, 2% risk, lasts 2-3 weeks),
cross-eyes, ectropion or edema of the lower eyelid, dry eyes, double vision,
transient headaches (10%), local numbness (lasting 2-3 weeks), flu-like
symptoms, rash at the injection site, pain at the injection site, infections,
and bruising (need to avoid blood thinning medications). Cold compresses
may be used immediately after treatment to reduce swelling only if needed. This
may be applied for 3 minutes, 3 times per day, for up to 3 days. This is best
done with a bag of peas in a zip lock bag. Only apply light pressure to the
area. Only take Tylenol if you get a headache or migraine.

Flu like symptoms after cosmetic Botox injection. Any suggestions?

Answers (10)