How are Dysport and Botox different? If you have a milk allergy should you stay away from Dysport? Got very ill from Dysport!

 Botox and Dysport are neurotoxins used to relax muscles /reduce the appearance of wrinkles.  Dysport should not be used if the person has a true cow's milk allergy .  Dysport is also known to have a quicker onset then Botox but both are known to last about the same length of time.

I have never seen anyone get ill from any neurotoxin injection.  Dysport has lactose in it, however, even in patients who have lactose allergy I have never seen an issue.  It is best you avoid Dysport anyway if you do.  Otherwise, they are very similar and only differ in their onset of action and spreadability.  The mechanisms are the same and should not affect you systemically.  Best, Dr. Emer.

A general recommendation is to avoid Dysport if the patient has a cow's milk protein allergy.  It is possible that your illness was related to an allergic reaction, depending on your symptoms.  Both are neurotoxins differing minimally in time to onset, spreadability, comfort with injection and duration of treatment effects.