Botox is a brand-name injection prescribed for certain conditions, including migraine and overactive bladder. It contains the active ingredient onabotulinumtoxinA. It’s not known whether Botox is safe to receive during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Keep reading for specific information about reproductive health and Botox. For an in-depth look at Botox, see this article.

FDA warning: Spread of toxin effects

This drug has a boxed warning. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

In some cases, Botox’s effects may spread away from the site where the drug is injected. This can cause a serious condition called botulism, which may lead to symptoms such as:

* low energy
* muscle weakness all over your body
* drooping eyelids
* double vision
* loss of bladder control
* hoarse voice
* difficulty speaking
* difficulty breathing
* difficulty swallowing

These symptoms can occur hours, days, or weeks after you’ve had a Botox injection. Be sure to tell your doctor if you develop any symptoms of botulism, even if they do not occur right after you receive a Botox injection.

It’s important to note that breathing and swallowing problems caused by Botox can sometimes be life threatening. The risk of these problems is higher in people who already have breathing or swallowing problems.

If you have difficulty breathing, swallowing, or speaking after having a Botox injection, contact your doctor right away. But if your symptoms feel life threatening, call 911 or your local emergency number.

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It’s not known whether it’s safe to receive Botox injections while you’re pregnant. This drug’s use during human pregnancy hasn’t been studied. In animal studies, the drug caused fetal harm when given to pregnant animals. However, animal studies don’t always predict what will happen in humans.

If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about whether Botox is right for you. And if you become pregnant after receiving a Botox injection, contact your doctor right away.

If you can become pregnant, it’s important to consider whether Botox is a safe choice for you.

It’s not known whether Botox passes into breast milk or whether it affects how your body makes breast milk. And it’s also not known whether the drug can affect a child who is breastfed.

If you’re breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about whether Botox is right for you.

There are no known drug interactions between Botox and birth control, meaning both medications should work as expected. If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor if you have questions about birth control while you’re receiving Botox.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.