Can Xeomin cause difficulty swallowing?

Question

Last year, I had two rounds of Xeomin injections in my 11s, crows feet, and forehead. I had a second treatment about two months later with significantly more. (I don't recall exactly how much but in total it may have been about 30 units?) This gave great results that lasted a couple of months. However, after the second treatment I developed difficulty swallowing about two days later. I was frequently choking mildly on food. This lasted for about 4-6 months. Could this be related?

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

Xeomin is an FDA approved Botulinum toxin A that is very similar to BOTOX and Dysport. These are actually very safe products but mild to annoying side-effects are well described. Some are far more sensitive to these side-effects than others. In my experience, patients who develop distant side effects like you are describing for such a small dose are uncommon representing about one patient is several hundred. However, the side-effect you are describing are so unpleasant that generally it is advisable to avoid all botulinum toxin treatment in the future. It is simply not worth the unpleasant side-effects. Using a different botulinum toxin product will not prevent the side effect. This is not related to the injection technique. Rather this simply reflects your personal sensitivity to this agent.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Though very rare, difficulty swallowing after neuromodulator treatment can be from an allergic reaction.  You may have a sensitivity to the product.  Difficulty swallowing can sometimes occur if the neck area is injected.

Can Xeomin cause difficulty swallowing?

Answers (2)