Xeomin is a neurotoxin injection given to patients with medical conditions caused by uncontrollable muscle movement, such as excessive drooling, arm and neck spasms, and eye twitching.
In 2011, the FDA approved Xeomin for cosmetic purposes - the elimination of glabellar (frown) lines. The injectable has become a popular Botox alternative because providers claim its pure botulinum toxin formulation (without accessory proteins) reduces the risk of allergic reactions and other side effects.
This article lists the mild and more severe side effects of Xeomin and recommends ways to prevent or treat them.
What Are the Side Effects of Xeomin?
According to the manufacturer’s medication guide, headache is the most common side effect of Xeomin for frown lines. Because of its purified form, medical providers suggest the injectable causes fewer adverse effects. They prescribe it to patients who have had negative experiences with Botox and other botulinum toxin injectables.
Note: Find out how Botox and Xeomin differ and which injectable to choose.
Common Xeomin Side Effects
Xeomin for wrinkle-reduction can cause:
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Redness
- Itching
- Pain at the injection site
- Skin sensitivity
These symptoms are usually mild and disappear within several hours or days.
Patients who receive Xeomin for medical concerns often experience other symptoms, including:
Patients with sialorrhea (excessive drooling):
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Increased blood pressure
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Bronchitis
Patients with upper limb spasticity:
- Flu-like symptoms (sore throat, runny nose, etc.)
- Dry mouth
- Seizure
- Bronchitis
Patients with neck spasms:
- Neck pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle and bone pain
Patients with blepharospasm (eye twitching):
- Dry eyes
- Eye pain or irritation
- Eyelid drooping
- Vision problems
- Dry mouth
Rare Severe Side Effects of Xeomin for Wrinkles
Xeomin patients rarely experience severe side effects. They include:
- Hives
- Wheezing
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Faintness
The neurotoxin spreading to other muscles may also cause:
- Muscle weakness
- Eyelid drooping
- Increased blinking or eyelid twitching
- Loss of bladder control
- Chest tightness
Some of these symptoms may take longer to subside and can even be life-threatening if the patient doesn’t contact their healthcare provider right away.
Note: Compare Xeomin symptoms with Botox side effects.
How to Prevent Xeomin Side Effects?
During the consultation, the medical provider instructs the patient on what precautions to take to reduce the risk of side effects after receiving Xeomin.
Avoiding Certain Medications
Patients should inform their providers about all medications and supplements they take because some of them may interfere with Xeomin and increase the risk of side effects. Drugs that can interact negatively with Xeomin include antibiotics, muscle relaxants, allergy medications, sleep medications, and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Disclosing Information About Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions increase the risk of adverse effects after Xeomin. Doctors advise patients with the following conditions to consider other treatment options:
- Known allergies to botulinum toxin
- Infection in the treatment area
- Muscle weakness in the treatment area
- Swelling of the treatment area
- Breathing problems (e.g., asthma)
- History of swallowing problems
- Recent surgery
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
No Alcohol Before and After the Treatment
It is best to avoid drinking alcohol 24 hours before and 24 hours after the treatment. Alcohol dilates blood vessels and increases the risk of bruising.
How to Treat Xeomin Side Effects?
Call or visit your healthcare provider if you experience allergic reactions after receiving Xeomin. They will give you the right medication depending on your state and the side effects.
Symptoms that are not life-threatening usually go away on their own within days or weeks. For example, eyelid drooping resolves after four to six weeks, or you can request eyedrops that tighten the eyelid muscles.
Swelling and bruising disappear within several days, but patients can speed up recovery by applying cold compresses and taking anti-bruising supplements, such as vitamin C, vitamin K, and arnica.
Consult your Xeomin provider regarding safe and effective ways to treat unwanted symptoms after the injection.
Conclusion
Xeomin is the neurotoxin injectable with the purest formulation. Because of this it is considered to have the least risk of side effects. Nevertheless, patients may still experience them.
The best way to prevent swelling, headaches, eyelid drooping, and more severe side effects is to seek treatment at a reputable clinic with experienced, board-certified medical providers.
