The FDA has approved Botulinum Toxin Type A (Botox) to treat severe underarm sweating known as “primary axillary hyperhidrosis” that cannot be managed by topical agents such as prescription antiperspirants. Botox has already been approved for several other purposes.
Today’s approval allows the product’s manufacturer, Allergan, Inc., Irvine, Calif., to market Botulinum Toxin Type A for this new indication.
Botulinum Toxin Type A is a protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. When used to treat primary axillary hyperhidrosis, small doses of an injectable form of the sterile purified botulinum toxin stop release of the chemical messenger acetylcholine, temporarily blocking the nerves in the underarm that stimulate sweating.
Botox was first approved in December 1989 to treat two eye muscle disorders (blepharospasm and strabismus). Since then it has been approved to treat cervical dystonia, a neurological movement disorder causing severe neck and shoulder muscle contractions. Most recently, in 2002, it was approved as Botox Cosmetic to temporarily improve the appearance of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows.