Storage of Botulinium Toxin: Independant Results
Recommendations and current practices for the reconstitution and storage of botulinum toxin type A.
Liu A, Carruthers A, Cohen JL, Coleman WP 3rd, Dover JS, Hanke CW, Moy RL, Ozog DM.
J Am Acad Dermatol. 2012 Sep;67(3):373-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2011.10.008. Epub 2011 Nov 4.
- Botulinum Toxin type A (See “manufacturers” under the following link) is an expensive substance stored in small vials. It is used for the treatment of wrinkles.
- A lot of it is wasted as the US-CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines require a vial per use for each patient: after reconstitution storage at a temperature of 2 to 8 degrees Celcius is recommended for no longer than 4 hours.
- In this study, a survey was done to the physicians of the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery who use botulinum A toxin.
- Although only 2/3 replied, the results showed that the solution can be stored reconstituted for at least a week with not a single case of infection being noted. (The following study done in mice goes even further)
- Conclusion of the study: botulinum toxin type A can be stored for a week and be used in multiple patients safely.
Contributors
Dr Christophe Hsu – dermatologist. Geneva, Switzerland
