Media reports focus on Botox® as a symptomatic treatment for MS

source: National MS Society

Jan 29, 2009

Recent media reports have focused on the use of Botox® (botulinum toxin, manufactured by Allergan, Inc.) for treating specific symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Although Botox treatment of MS-related symptoms is not specifically approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, many MS physicians now consider it an effective treatment option for certain types of problems.

Botox® injections have been shown in clinical trials to relieve spasticity in individual muscles for up to three months, without any significant side effects. Botox® has also demonstrated its usefulness in the management of certain types of urinary symptoms. Further, large-scale clinical trials are needed before FDA approval can be sought for Botox as a treatment of MS-related symptoms. The National MS Society is helping to recruit participants for one such study, supported by Allergan.

In the interim, some third-party payers may not cover the cost of Botox for treating spasticity or bladder dysfunction. People who seek treatment with Botox for either of these symptoms will probably need to cover the relatively high costs themselves.

Read more about botulinum toxin for the treatment of MS symptoms.

Botox is a registered trademark of Allergan, Inc.

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