Xeomin FAQ

Q: HOW DOES XEOMIN® WORK?

When you squint or frown, the muscles between your brows contract, causing the skin to furrow and fold. Over time, as your skin ages and loses some of its elasticity, these repeated contractions can cause persistent frown lines. Botulinum toxin type A – the active ingredient in XEOMIN®– acts on nerve endings in muscles to prevent muscle fibers from contracting. By reducing these contractions, XEOMIN® can temporarily reduce the lines on your forehead between your brows.

Q: IS XEOMIN® PROVEN?

XEOMIN® was proven effective in two randomized, double-blind, multicenter, placebo-controlled clinical trials of 547 healthy, adult patients. The average age of patients in the study was 46 years. Patients received 20 Units of XEOMIN® and were classified as responders if they had a 2-grade improvement on a 4-point scale as assessed by the physician and patient. Using these criteria, treatment success was higher with XEOMIN® than placebo on Day 30 in both studies (60% and 48% vs. 0% for placebo in both studies). Based on these trials, XEOMIN® received FDA approval for aesthetic use in 2011.

Q: HOW DO I KNOW IF XEOMIN® IS RIGHT FOR ME?

If you are an adult with moderate to severe glabellar lines, XEOMIN® may be right for you. Dr. Cole or PA Nikki Dean are happy to discuss the benefits and risks of treatment with you so that you can make an informed decision. Do not take XEOMIN® if you are allergic to botulinum toxin or any of the other ingredients in XEOMIN®. You should also not take XEOMIN® if you have had an allergic reaction to any other botulinum toxin product or have a skin infection at the planned injection site.

Q: WHAT SHOULD I TELL MY DOCTOR BEFORE TREATMENT?

Before receiving treatment with XEOMIN® you should tell us about all of your medical conditions, including whether you have a disease that affects your muscles and nerves, have allergies to any botulinum toxin product, or have experienced any side effect from any other botulinum toxin in the past. In addition, we need to know all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. 

Especially tell us if you have received any other botulinum toxin product in the last four months or in the past. Be sure we know exactly which product(s) you received and when you received them.

Q: WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING TREATMENT?

During treatment, which usually takes about 10-20 minutes, we will inject XEOMIN® into the muscles in your forehead that cause frown lines between your brows. No anesthesia is required; however, your physician may use a topical anesthetic or cold pack to reduce any discomfort.

Q: WHEN CAN I EXPECT TO SEE RESULTS?

In clinical trials, some patients observed visible smoothing as early as 3-4 days after injection. The median first onset of effect was less than a week. The maximum effect typically occurs at 30 days. The typical duration of effect is up to 3 months, but may last significantly longer or shorter in individual patients.

Q: WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF XEOMIN®?

XEOMIN® may cause serious side effects, including allergic reactions. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to XEOMIN® may include: itching, rash, redness, swelling, wheezing, asthma symptoms, or dizziness or feeling faint. Tell your doctor or seek medical help right away if you have wheezing, experience other asthma symptoms, or if you become dizzy or faint.

In clinical trials of XEOMIN® for the treatment of frown lines between the brows, headache was the most common side effect. XEOMIN® may cause loss of strength or general muscle weakness, blurred vision, or drooping eyelids within hours to weeks of taking XEOMIN®. If this happens, do not drive a car, operate machinery, or do other dangerous activities. Tell us if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not subside.