Abstract
Botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) is a potent neurotoxin that is successfully used to treat many medical conditions involving muscle hyperactivity. BTX-A (available as Botox Cosmetic™ by Allergan, Inc., Irvine, California in the United States) also has become a popular treatment for hyperkinetic or dynamic facial rhytides. Despite manufacturer guidelines, controversy remains regarding storage of reconstituted in-use BTX-A. As diluting the product with sterile unpreserved saline is recommended, there is concern about microbial contamination after prolonged storage. The purpose of the study reported here was to examine the risk of microbial contamination in reconstituted BTX-A after prolonged storage. Twenty-five vials of BTX-A were reconstituted with unpreserved saline and refrigerafed at 2°C to 8°C from 6 hours to 62 days. After storage, all vials were cultured and tested negative for microbial contamination. BTX-A reconstituted with unpreserved saline can safely be stored for extended periods. If strict, sterile technique is observed during each use and if reconstituted vials are refrigerated properly between injections, BTX-A can also be used on multiple patients.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 61-63 |
| Number of pages | 3 |
| Journal | Cosmetic Dermatology |
| Volume | 15 |
| Issue number | 9 |
| State | Published - Sep 2002 |
| Externally published | Yes |