Can digestive enzymes taken on an empty stomach metabolize botox?

Question

Occasionally , I take proteolytic enzymes on an empty stomach with the thought that they enter the blood stream and work systemically to improve health. I'm worried that this could inadvertently metabolize the botox I get and decrease its longevity... Should I be concerned?

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

Interesting fact about Botox.  In nature it exists as a 900 kDa protein, but only the core neurotoxin, weighing 150 kDa is active.  The rest of the weight is accessory proteins, which protect the core neurotoxin from being inactivated by such things as stomach acids and proteolytic enzymes.  This is because in nature, Botulism is caused by ingesting this protein, so it needs to survive the harsh environment in the stomach.  That sidenote aside, the proteolytic enzymes will have no effect on the Botox treatments.

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

I have heard of no data to support that Botox will be metabolized by digestive enzymes. Botox generally lasts 4 to 6 months and not determined by oral foods or digestive enzymes.

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

I have not heard or read that digestive enzymes would have any effect on Botox. However, you should take your enzymes the way the bottle says - some things are actually absorbed better with food. So read the bottle and take it the way the makers suggest. But you are fine to take these and get Botox. "This answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and cannot 
be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person 
treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."

Can digestive enzymes taken on an empty stomach metabolize botox?

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Can digestive enzymes taken on an empty stomach metabolize botox?

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Everything you need to know about Botox

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