By Rita Colorito on October 9, 2011 in
Botox, it's not just for wrinkles anymore. Actually, it never was.
OnabotulinumtoxinA, the brand's chemical name, was originally used to treat several spastic and neurological disorders when it was adopted by cosmetic surgeons for its ability to "freeze" wrinkles, gaining approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for cosmetic use in 2002, and the devotion of millions who want to hold back Father Time.
In the last few years the wonder shot has gained FDA approval for use in treating chronic migraines and severe underarm sweating. And it's latest claim to fame: The FDA recently approved Botox for use in managing urinary incontinence for those with spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis (MS).
How does it work?
An injection of Botox helps calm overactive bladders in individuals with these neurological disorders who experience bladder leakage due to detrusor--bladder muscle--overactivity. Botox has been approved for use in those with spinal cord injury or MS who have had an inadequate response to or are intolerant of an anticholinergic medication, according to a release issued by Allergan, the maker of Botox.
"Urinary incontinence associated with neurologic conditions can be difficult to manage," wrote George Benson, deputy director of the FDA's Division o Reproductive and Urologic Products, in a released statement. "Botox offers another treatment option for these patients."
Before this approval, individuals had to rely on the use of a catheter to regularly empty the bladder. Now, injecting Botox directly into the bladder muscle relaxes it, thereby increasing storage capacity and decreasing urinary incontinence. Clinical trials showed that these injections resulted in 20 fewer urinary leaking episodes per week after six weeks. The effects of the injection can last up to 10 months, but don't plan on this population throwing Botox parties. The injections use cystoscopy, a procedure that allows a doctor to visualize the interior of the bladder and that may require general anesthesia.
Side effects
As with any drug, Botox for this new use has its side effects. The most common adverse reactions following an injection were urinary tract infection and urinary retention. "Those who develop urinary retention after Botox treatment may require self-catheterization to empty the bladder," reads the FDA statement.
Urinary incontinence in general is estimated to affect 9 to 22 percent of U.S. adults, according to the National Institutes of Health. And that percentage increases with age. Only time will tell if Botox gets tested and approved for the general population who suffer from this potty problem. Adult incontinence briefs don't exactly scream fountain of youth.