XEOMIN® is the 3rd botulinum toxin medication to receive FDA clearance in the U.S. Like Botox and Dysport, it works by relaxing specific muscles. Xeomin has been used around the world since 2005 and was introduced to the US market in 2010 by Merz Aesthetics.

Indications for XEOMIN

In 2011, the FDA cleared XEOMIN for treating glabellar lines (between the eyebrows, on the smooth part of the brow). Xeomin also received FDA clearance in summer 2010 for treatment of cervical dystonia (abnormal neck pain) and eye spasms. Because Xeomin is botulinum toxin type a (just like Botox®), doctors expect it to receive FDA clearance for cosmetic use some time in the near future.

Common cosmetic indications for botulinum type a products include:

Forehead lines
Frown lines (on the glabella)
Crow’s feet

XEOMIN is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to the active substance botulinum toxin type A or to any of the components in the formulation and in the presence of infection at the proposed injection site(s).

How does XEOMIN work?

XEOMIN is injected directly into small facial muscles to decrease their activity. The drug blocks the release of a chemical messenger known as acetylcholine, which sends a signal from the nerves thats causes muscles to contract. The muscles can still contract, but they do it less forcefully, which helps to treat muscle spasms.

Are all Botulinum Toxin Products the Same?

XEOMIN is different than other botulinum toxin products. That’s why it has a different name. Not all botulinum toxin products are the same. The XEOMIN dose may be different from other botulinum toxin medications. Also, XEOMIN is the only botulinum toxin currently approved in the U.S. that does not require refrigeration prior to reconstitution.

What are the possible side effects of XEOMIN?

Possible side effects after treatment of blepharospasm include but are not limited to drooping eyelid, dry eye, dry mouth, diarrhea, and headache. Possible side effects after treatment of blepharospasm cervical dystonia include difficulty swallowing, neck pain, muscle weakness, injection site pain, and muscle/joint pain. XEOMIN can also cause serious side effects that can be life threatening.