2 replies to this topic

[Elizabeth28]

Hello everyone!

This is a purely *cosmetic* question, so I hope no one minds...!

I've written before on this board, and shared my story. I'm ANA and scl-70 positive for the last year, although I was negative for ANA and all other auto-antibodies prior to an anaphylactic reaction to antibiotics in fall 2007. (I have had shown no clinical symptoms of scleroderma, and am under the care of a rheumatologist; I do realize I'm at-risk, however.) Prior to and following my anaphylactic reaction - but before I received ANA test results last year - I had received botox three times to treat frown lines. I loved the results and never had any adverse side effects.

I'd like to use botox again, but have been unable to find any information online, or from my doctor, concerning the risks it may pose for people who are predisposed to, or diagnosed with, scleroderma. I've seen that botox has been used to treat Raynaud's before in scleroderma patients, and I've also seen that lupus foundations in the U.S. and U.K. have suggested there are no contraindications for the use of botox among lupus sufferers. I do know that botox is viewed, overall, as much safer than injectible fillers - which sound risky for all kinds of reasons!

I'd really appreciate your ideas, though, or if you can direct me to good resources where I can better study up on this?

Thank you!
Elizabeth

[Jeannie McClelland]

Hi Elizabeth,

You are right about Botox being used to treat Raynaud's. We do have on article about an FDA Warning but when you go to the article, they say this:

"In an early communication based on the FDA's ongoing safety review, the agency said the reactions may be related to overdosing. There is no evidence that these reactions are related to any defect in the products."

I'm no doctor, and have zero experience with Botox, but since Raynaud's and Scleroderma seem to go hand in hand (sorry, pun intended! ), I would think if there was any adverse effects from the scleroderma standpoint, they wouldn't be using it to treat Raynaud's.

Warm hugs,

[Sweet]

Hi,
My rheumatologist did not support me getting Botox. I've asked 4 other doctors however and they didn't see a problem with it. I'm sure there is some risk, but I was willing to take it.