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Home Care after Botulinum Toxin (BoTox) Injection

Pain

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Pain Management



The doctor has given you BoTox injections to relieve your muscle contractions, spasms, and the pain that they cause.

 

You can expect soreness at the injection site for the next 2 to 4 days.  For the first 24 hours, if needed, you may apply ice to the site for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off to decrease pain and discomfort.  After 24 hours, you may use heat if needed. It may take 1-2 weeks to notice the benefits of the injection after the soreness goes away.

 

You may take your muscle relaxants or non-narcotic pain medicines if you have pain over the next 24 to 48 hours.
 
You may go back to your normal routine as you have been doing.

 

If you have any new symptoms such as new muscle weakness, neck drooping or signs of infection, please call (608) 263-9550 or (608) 890-7359 during normal clinic hours.  After hours, nights and weekends, call (608)-262-0486 or, if you live out of the area, call 1-800-323-8942.  Ask for the rehabilitation doctor on call.  Leave your name and phone number with the area code.  The doctor will call you back.

 

Signs of infection

 

  • Fever greater than 100.4 F by mouth for 2 readings taken 4 hours apart.
  • Increased redness, swelling around the injection site.
  • Any drainage from the injection site.

 

Less common signs of a reaction from distant spread of the toxin

  • Generalized muscle weakness
  • Double vision
  • Droopy eyelid
  • Difficulty with swallowing
  • Voice hoarseness
  • Difficulty speaking
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Breathing difficulties -seek emergency care immediately
  • Serious allergic reaction- seek emergency care immediately

Note: these symptoms have been reported hours to weeks after injection.  Swallowing and breathing difficulties can be life threatening, and there have been reports of death.



The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 10/27/2010

Copyright © 10/27/2010 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #5663

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