Xeomin®
Xeomin is the latest product developed to reduce or prevent frown-causing muscle contractions. Recently approved in the U.S. by the FDA, Xeomin, pronounced zee-oh-min, acts similar to its predecessors Botox and Dysport. The new “tox” product is designed to stop the contractions of the glabellar muscle between the eyes.
Is Xeomin different from Botox or Dysport?
Xeomin is somewhat different. The difference in Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA) is that it does not carry the proteins that are typical of the other products. The manufacturing process removes the proteins so that Xeomin is referred to as the “naked” botulinum product. The potential advantage lies in the lessened likelihood of antibodies being formed to the proteins which – for a very limited number of patients – can render the product ineffective. (This typically is only seen in patients who have used botulinum toxin for an extended period of time.)
BTX-A |
Merz Precision Technology |
Xeomin® |
| With complexing proteins | Removes complexing proteins | Free from complexing proteins |
How is Xeomin similar to Botox or Dysport?
The muscle-restricting action is, for all practical purposes, like Botox and Dysport and the dosing is the same as Botox.
Why would I choose Xeomin over the injectables already available for a longer period of time?
At the introduction of Xeomin, the manufacturer has priced the product a bit lower, so price could be one reason. Its purported quicker effect could be another. Dr. Fitzgerald will frequently use both Dysport and Botox in a single session to achieve desired result and will do the same with Xeomin. As time goes on, which to choose will patient preference.
Does Xeomin work faster than Botox or Dysport?
Although still very new to the U.S. market, Xeomin is reported to begin taking effect within 2-3 days after injection with effectiveness ranging up to 4 months. Botox is a little slower and Dysport can sometimes begin acting the next day following injection.
FDA Approval of Xeomin
The FDA approval of XEOMIN is based on the results of two pivotal U.S. clinical trials involving 16 investigational sites and included 547 healthy adult patients. In both studies, XEOMIN significantly improved the appearance of glabellar lines 30 days following the first injection, when compared to placebo. XEOMIN is the only botulinum toxin currently approved in the U.S. that does not require refrigeration prior to reconstitution.
Xeomin is used in 14 worldwide locations and in the EU under the name Bocouture. As with all botulinum toxins, there are safety warnings that must be made public.
