Myobloc

Generic name: RimabotulinumtoxinB (Myobloc)
Drug class: Skeletal muscle relaxants

Usage of Myobloc

RimabotulinumtoxinB (Myobloc), also called botulinum toxin type B, is made from the bacteria that causes botulism. Botulinum toxin blocks nerve activity in the muscles, causing a temporary reduction in muscle activity.

Myobloc is used to treat cervical dystonia (severe spasms in the neck muscles).

Myobloc is also used to treat chronic drooling (sialorrhea).

Myobloc may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Myobloc side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; feeling light-headed; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

The botulinum toxin contained in Myobloc can spread to other body areas beyond where it was injected. This has caused serious life-threatening side effects in some people receiving botulinum toxin injections, even for cosmetic purposes.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these side effects (up to several hours or weeks after an injection):

unusual or severe muscle weakness (especially in a body area that was not injected with the medication);

trouble breathing, talking, or swallowing;

hoarse voice, drooping eyelids;

blurred vision, double vision;

loss of bladder control;

problems with vision; or

chest pain.

Common side effects of Myobloc may include:

pain or discomfort where the medicine was injected;

headache;

dry mouth; or

trouble swallowing.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Myobloc

You should not be treated with Myobloc if you are allergic to botulinum toxin, or if you have an infection in the area where the medicine will be injected.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had a side effect after receiving a botulinum toxin in the past.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

other botulinum toxin injections such as Botox Dysport, or Xeomin (especially in the last 4 months);

amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or "Lou Gehrig's disease");

myasthenia gravis;

Lambert-Eaton syndrome;

a breathing problem such as asthma or emphysema;

droopy eyelids;

problems with swallowing;

bleeding problems;

surgery on your face; or

if you are planning to have any type of surgery.

Myobloc is made from donated human plasma and may contain viruses or other infectious agents. Donated plasma is tested and treated to reduce the risk of contamination, but there is still a small possibility it could transmit disease. Ask your doctor about any possible risk.

It is not known whether Myobloc will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

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How to use Myobloc

This medicine is injected into a muscle or into a gland. A healthcare provider will give you this injection once every 12 to 16 weeks. Myobloc injections should be spaced at least 3 months apart.

Your injections may be given into more than one area at a time, depending on the condition being treated.

The effects of a Myobloc injection are temporary. Your symptoms may return completely within 3 months after an injection. After repeat injections, it may take less and less time before your symptoms return, especially if your body develops antibodies to the botulinum toxin.

Do not seek botulinum toxin injections from more than one medical professional at a time. If you switch healthcare providers, be sure to tell your new provider how long it has been since your last botulinum toxin injection.

Using this medicine more often than prescribed will not make it more effective and may result in serious side effects.

Warnings

You should not receive this medicine if you are allergic to botulinum toxin, or if you have an infection in the area where the medicine will be injected.

The botulinum toxin contained in this medication can spread to other body areas beyond where it was injected. This can cause serious life-threatening side effects.

Call your doctor at once if you have a hoarse voice, drooping eyelids, vision problems, severe muscle weakness, loss of bladder control, or trouble breathing, talking, or swallowing. Some of these effects can occur up to several weeks after a botulinum toxin injection.

What other drugs will affect Myobloc

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

a muscle relaxer;

medicine to treat an infection;

medicine to treat depression, anxiety, mood disorders, or mental illness;

cold or allergy medicine (Benadryl and others);

medicine to treat Parkinson's disease;

medicine to treat stomach problems, motion sickness, or irritable bowel syndrome;

medicine to treat overactive bladder; or

bronchodilator asthma medication.

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect Myobloc. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.