BOTOX® treatment for hyperhidrosis

Axillary hyperhidrosis (sweating of the armpits) that does not respond to topical antiperspirants such as Drysol™, Saldrize™ or Certain Dry™ may be treated with BOTOX®™. BOTOX®™ is an extract of botulinum toxin and when injected into areas of the skin that produce excess sweat, effectively reduces sweat production for many months. BOTOX®™ injections to the sweat-producing areas of the armpits can frequently provide relief for as long as 6 months. An alternative treatment for axillary hyperhidrosis is surgical removal of the axillary (armpit) sweat glands.

BOTOX®™ injections are also an effective remedy for palmar hyperhidrosis (sweating of the palms of the hands) and relief can last many months. However, the pain involved in the administration of BOTOX® to the hands along with occasional problems related to muscle weakness can make BOTOX®™ a less desirable form of therapy for treating palmar hyperhidrosis. Although BOTOX®™ is approved by the Federal Drug Administration in the United States for many medical uses, it is not yet approved for the treatment of excess perspiration. Physicians may use it to treat hyperhidrosis, but it is considered an "off-label" indication.