Can Botox Cause/exacerbate Lupus or Hypothyroidism or Weaken Your Immune System?

Question

I was told that Botox can weaken your immune system to the point of causing/worsening long term illnesses such as lupus or hypothyroidism. Is it true?

Robert F. Centeno, MD, FACS · Answer

There is no evidence that botox or other neuromodulators cause lupus or hypothyroidism.  This is a safe elective cosmetic treatment, so if you are concerned about an active health problem...don't do it.  You will have more peace of mind.  Focus your energy on getting better.  All the best.

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

For a thorough review of all side effects and/or adverse events related to cosmetic Botox injections I would recommend visiting the website below.

Paul S. Nassif, MD · Answer

These are not side effects associated with Botox. I would recommend visiting the Allergan website for additional information. I hope this helps, and best of luck to you.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

As of this date, there is no data to suggest that Botox weakens the immune system, causes SLE, or produces hypothroidism.

Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD (retired) · Answer

The Botox molecule is constructed of two parts: the central core, comprising the neurotoxin, and a surrounding protein complex which is meant to protect the neurotoxin. The neurotoxin is what performs the magic of Botox. Antibodies may form to either element. Most of the concern regarding Botox antibody formation has to do with a theoretical dilution of its clinical effects. With this in mind, antibody formation has been studied. It turns out only about 0.3% of patients developed antibodies in well done clinical trials. Since lupus patients should be concerned about antibody formation this theoretically could be relevant. Fortunately, the  antibodies that are formed do not trigger or exacerbate lupus. Therefore, there does not appear to be a problem for patients with lupus, never mind for people who do not have lupus. Similarly, there is no problem in regards to hypothyroidism, you will not develop this problem and if you already have it Botox should not exacerbate it. 

	Botox weakens muscles, but not the immune system.

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

I have been injecting Botox for nearly two decades. I have not experienced anything like this, and I've treated people specifically who have Lupus. So, as long as you are seeing a physician for your issues and have it/them under control as best you can, Botox wouldn't affect it/them. When done for cosmetic purposes, such low amounts of Botox are used that it wouldn't have this type of affect.

Can Botox Cause/exacerbate Lupus or Hypothyroidism or Weaken Your Immune System?

Answers (6)

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