If I am allergic to Botox, can I have Dysport instead?

Question

I've had Botox twice in my life injected between my eyebrows and just above each eyebrow. 1st time I had it I had slight swelling/bruising that settled within a few days which I assumed was normal. The last time I developed huge swollen hard lumps at each injection site. My face swelled so much I looked unrecognisable. My injector said I had an allergic reaction. He prescribed me with prednisone, my face went back to normal within a week. Can I be tested to see if I would react badly to Dysport?

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Allergic responses are not common. However when they do occur, we can switch brands. I would recommend that you get a little test spot on the back of the neck or in the forearm to see your response with Dysport.

Brian S. Biesman, MD · Answer

True allergy to Botox is extremely rare.  Dysport and Xeomin also contains small amounts of additional proteins which at least in theory could be a source of allergic reaction.If you're convinced that you had a true allergic reaction to Botox I would be very careful using dysport.

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

It is more likely that you are allergic to the preservative in the saline that was used to mix the Botox. Also, maybe it wasn't Botox you received. Do a test with the saline with preservative on the forearm. You can do the same with Dysport if you are sure it was the Botox.

If I am allergic to Botox, can I have Dysport instead?

Answers (3)