MYOBLOC® Injections (Botulinum Toxin B)
What is Myobloc?
MYOBLOC® is the commercial tradename for Botulinum Toxin Type B.
Botulinum Toxin is derived from the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum.
When injected into muscles, Botulinum Toxin has a local effect. It blocks
transmission between the nerve endings and muscle fibres around the injection
site to cause weakness of the nearby muscle.
What is Myobloc used for?
Myobloc can be used as an alternative to Botox for non-surgical cosmetic
treatment of moderate to severe frown lines.
Similar to Botox, Myobloc works by blocking nerve transmission to temporarily
reduce the contractions of the facial muscles that cause frown lines.
Who can have Myobloc treatment?
Your doctor will decide if you can have cosmetic treatment with myobloc.
Before starting treatment, tell your doctor if you have any disorders
that affect your nerves and muscles, if you are breastfeeding, or if you
are planning to become pregnant soon.
The Myobloc injection procedure
The Myobloc injection procedure is the same as for Botox injections.
Your doctor will administer several tiny injections of myobloc directly
into the muscles of your face. Prior to injection, your doctor will determine
where to administer the injections by examining your ability to move certain
muscles in your brow area.
The entire myobloc injection procedure takes approximately 10 minutes
and does not require anaesthesia. Discomfort is usually minimal and brief.
Possible side-effects of Myobloc
- headache
- flu-like symptoms
- temporary eyelid droop
- nausea
- squint/double vision
- twitching of the eye
- facial pain
- redness at the injection site
- muscle weakness
Cautions/contra-indications
Do not have myobloc treatment if you:
- have an infection where myobloc will be injected
- are allergic to any of the ingredients
- are pregnant or think you might be pregnant
- have a neurological disorder (eg. Myasthenia Gravis)
There are also a number of medicines that may interact with myobloc (eg.
quinidine, some antibiotics). It is important to tell your doctor if you
are taking any medication.
Is Myobloc better than Botox?
When used as a non-surgical cosmetic treatment for wrinkles, both drugs
have a similar effect.
Cosmetic surgery clinics may offer Myobloc as an alternative to Botox
injections because myobloc is cheaper and has a longer shelf-life.
