Is there allergy testing for Botox?

Question

I had botox injected between my eyebrows for 2 deep lines I had. I had the procedure done around 11am and that evening I started feeling a tightening in my throat and my lymph nodes in my neck hurt. My doctor said he wants me tested for an allergy to it before he would inject me again. He has not had any patients that have had my symptoms.

Ava T. Shamban, MD · Answer

Allergy testing is not commonly performed prior to Botox administration. However, given your risk for anaphalaxis, it is advisable to have your injector or allergist perform an allergy test using the botulinum toxin.

John Louis Ratz, MD · Answer

It appears to me that you may be experiencing side effects of Botox due to its ability to migrate (Google: "Botox side effects to see the full list). The tightening in your throat can be life threatening as Botox can paralyze the muscles allowing you to breathe. If you still have these symptoms you should immediately go to the nearest emergency room.      jlr

Alix J. Charles, MD · Answer

While true allergies to neuromodulators like Botox are uncommon, they have been reported.  Although I have not heard of any allergists testing specifically for allergies to this substance, it should not be that difficult to achieve provided they can obtain the product for testing.  Be aware that if you have a true allergy to Botox you could have a cross reaction/allergy to Dysport and Xeomin as well.  I hope this helps.

Is there allergy testing for Botox?

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