Botulinum toxin type A injections are the most sought-after nonsurgical procedures worldwide. Botox® leads the way in both popularity and effectivity in correcting facial lines and wrinkles. While the reputation of Botox® speaks for itself, its sensitive storage conditions have become a major concern with the prevalence of shipping delays during the pandemic.
After Allergan pioneered the cosmetic usage of botulinum toxins through Botox®, other reputable brands have emerged to offer more choices for achieving the same results. These Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved botulinum toxin brands are Xeomin®, Bocouture®, Dysport® and Azzalure®. While Botox®, Dysport® and Azzalure® require strict storage temperature of 2° C to 8° C, Xeomin® and Bocouture® are perfectly suited for temperatures ranging from 25° to 40° C without the need for refrigeration.
Why do Botulinum Toxins differ in storage conditions?
All these products are derived from botulinum, a toxic compound produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The difference lies in the products’ primary compounds.
Botox® is derived from Onabotulinum toxin A while Dysport® and Azzalure® are from Abobotulinum toxin A. Both these products bind the C. botulinum molecule with complexing proteins. This combination requires 2° C to 8° C to preserve its structural integrity.
Xeomin® and Bocouture®, or Incobotulinum toxin A, are not bound by proteins. This pure formulation makes it possible for the products to withstand temperatures ranging from 25° C to 40° C for their entire shelf-life of three years.
Xeomin® and Bocouture® are ideal Botox® alternatives for both their storage conditions and proven effectivity at achieving desired results.
What is Xeomin®? What is Bocouture®?
Xeomin® and Bocouture® are similar brands of botulinum toxin manufactured by Merz Pharmaceuticals in Frankfurt, Germany. They are primarily used to smooth moderate to severe facial wrinkles, including glabellar lines and crow’s feet. They can also be used to correct smile lines, forehead furrows, and lip lines. Additional uses include as medical treatment for cervical dystonia, blepharospasm, chronic migraines and more.
Like Botox®, both Xeomin® and Bocouture® are administered via injection to the facial muscles. This temporarily blocks nerve signals, resulting in muscle relaxation and effective elimination of the expression lines and wrinkles formed from everyday facial movements. The results are visible after one week and last up to 6 months. Since Xeomin® and Bocouture® are not bound by any active proteins, they are less likely to trigger allergic reactions.
The most noteworthy aspect of Xeomin® and Bocouture® is that several studies have proven them to be as effective as Botox®. A test carried out among 250 females injected with either Botox® or Xeomin® / Bocouture® resulted in clinical equivalence between the two brands. This study also demonstrated that these botulinum toxin brands have similar onset times, durations of effect and side effect profiles. Another test proved that the addition of complexing proteins in botulinum toxin formulation made no significant changes to the outcome.
Over the years, Xeomin® and Bocouture® have gained their own respectable following. Often priced significantly lower than Botox®, these products offer the same results while stretching the budget of your practice and clients.
Conclusion
The excellence of Botox® is well-established in the world of cosmetics. However, opting for Xeomin® and Bocouture® during this time of crisis can minimize losses due to shipping delays, confined packages, and unmet storage requirements without compromising treatment quality. These botulinum toxin brands have irrefutable proof of their parallel effectivity with Botox®. Opting for Xeomin® or Bocouture® is not a downgrade nor a compromise, but an effective readjustment based on the current time’s demands.