Myobloc Injection information

Many people have heard of the wildly popular brand BOTOX. In fact the name has become synonymous with the cosmetic procedure that relaxes the muscles that contribute to facial wrinkles. However, cosmetic procedures are not the only applications for the potent neurotoxin. Physicians have tried botulinum toxin to treat various neurological problems from headache to movement disorders. One disorder in which botulinum toxin has been especially useful is in the treatment of cervical dystonia, a painful condition in which the muscles of the neck, face, and back are contracted beyond control. The brand name of botulinum toxin primarily used to treat cervical dystonia is Myobloc.

 

 

Cervical dystonia or spasmodic torticollis is considered by neurologists as a movement disorder. While the condition is fairly rare, it can occur in people of any age (though usually it occurs in women at middle age). There is no cure for cervical dystonia but one of the most effective treatments currently available is Myobloc injection. Since cervical dystonia is caused by involuntary contractions of the muscles of the neck, the Myobloc injection is made into the contracted muscle(s). Once the toxin enters the motor nerve endings in muscle, Myobloc disrupts the ability of the nerve to cause the muscle to contract. This leads to a relaxation of the muscle.

 

Myobloc is similar, but not identical to, the botulinum toxin used in cosmetic procedures. All botulinum toxins are formed by a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum, but there are about eight different types distinguished by the letters A through H. Myobloc is known by the long name rimabotulinumtoxinB which, as the name indicates, is the B form of the toxin. The A and B forms of the toxin disrupt different proteins in the nerve ending. Over time, people treated with either the A or B from may develop a resistance, of sorts, to the drug. In fact, Myobloc is can be used to treat cosmetic patients who no longer get a benefit from BOTOX injections.

 

Myobloc injections come in 2,500 of 5,000 units per milliliter injection. This may seem to be much more concentrated than BOTOX injections, which are diluted to 40 units per ml. In truth, the units used in the two products cannot and should be compared to one another, as described by the manufacturer of Myobloc injections. In other words, there is not necessarily a difference in potency between the two injections.

 

The complications that occur from Myobloc injections are similar to BOTOX injections. Irritation in the skin or skin infection may occur. Also, patients may develop an allergic reaction to the substances contained in Myobloc injections, specifically the toxin or the human albumin (rare). The most troubling complications from Myobloc injection occur if the toxin goes beyond the muscle and skin injected. If Myobloc enters the bloodstream, the toxin can affect nerve endings in various places in the body. Most commonly this causes weakness, numbness, and visual disturbances. More seriously, swallowing and breathing problems can occur, but can be treated if brought to the attention of trained medical professionals in a timely manner.

 

Myobloc price can vary, but when it is used to treat dystonia, it is usually partially or fully covered by health insurance. If a Myobloc injection is used for a cosmetic purpose, (which would be an “off label” application, currently) then it would not be covered by health insurance. In this case the Myobloc price could be $400 to $600 per session. Sessions may be required up to four times a year.