What are Botox® and Dysport®?

Botulinum toxin, the active ingredient of both products, was first used in the late 1960s to treat neurological disorders. Botox® was first approved by the FDA in 1989 to treat eye muscle disorders such as blepharospasms, uncontrollable blinking, and strabismus, or crossed eyes. In 2000, Botox® was approved to treat cervical dystonia (a disorder that causes severe neck and shoulder contractions). In April 2002, the FDA was satisfied by its review of studies indicating that Botox® reduced the severity of frown lines for up to 120 days and approved the drug for cosmetic use. Dysport® is very similar to Botox® but was being used in Europe (where it was called Reloxin) long before it gained approval for use in America. Although it’s considered new here, Dysport® is not, in fact, a new product.