What is the difference between Botulax and Botox? Aside from the brand, are they pretty much the same thing?

Question

Aside from the brand, are they pretty much the same thing? I have contacted 3 different clinics/plastic surgery offices and Botox seems to be twice as expensive. However, if both have the near same ingredients, I think I want to opt for Botulax since it's cheaper.

Kimberly Butterwick, MD · Answer

Botulax is not FDA approved for use in the United States, and I would advise strongly against having it injected. No reputable dermatologist or plastic surgeon will offer a product that is not FDA approved for use in the USA, and on top of that, there are no quality control regulations on products imported from overseas. You only have one face, so it is better to pay more and know that you are having quality injections with a legal product rather than risk terrible side effects from an unethical provider and non-FDA approved product. Here in the United States, the three FDA approved neuromodulators are Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

In the US the only FDA approved neurotoxins are botox, xeomin, and dysport.  Please see a reputable provider.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Marla M. Klein, MD · Answer

You live in Orange County CA, and Botulax is a Korean made botulism toxin that is not FDA approved for use in the USA.  My big question is why would you be asking this question?  No one in the USA should be injecting Botulax into any patient.In February I attended a dermatology meeting, and we were warned against using the counterfeit botulism toxins from China and Korea that one can simply buy on the Internet right now.It basically comes down to the quality assurance process that the businesses use that make these drugs. Botulism is the most toxic toxin known to humans.  The amounts used to be safe have to be extremely consistent and microscopically small in order to be used in a predictable manner.Approximately fifteen years ago, some (bad people) were selling a counterfeit brand of botulism toxin to doctors at a much lower price.  The trouble was that the bottles had some live bacteria producing botulism in them, so some people were getting 100 times or 10,000 times even, and they were ending up in hospitals on ventilators. The doctors who treated them went to jail.Conclusion, no they are not the same thing.  Good luck to you, I wish you the best.

Ira Vidor, MD · Answer

Hi. Botox is FDA approved and therefore legal in the United States (along with dysport and xeomin). Botulax is not FDA approved and therefore illegal for use in the United States. If you are planning on getting injections in the U.S., then Botulax is not a legal option for you. Hope this helps. Best Regards, Ira Vidor, M.D.

Richard Chaffoo, MD, FACS, FICS · Answer

Botulax is not FDA approved in the USA. Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport are all FDA approved. I would be hesitant to visit a clinic that uses products which are not approved for use in the US.

What is the difference between Botulax and Botox? Aside from the brand, are they pretty much the same thing?

Answers (10)

Answer: Botox is FDA approved

Answer: Botox is FDA approved

Answer: Botox vs Botulax

Answer: Botox vs Botulax

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Botox

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What is the difference between Botulax and Botox? Aside from the brand, are they pretty much the same thing?

Answers (10)

Answer: Botox is FDA approved

Answer: Botox is FDA approved

Answer: Botox vs Botulax

Answer: Botox vs Botulax

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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.