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Last Updated 10 Jun 2011

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Dysport 500unit powder for solution for injection vials

Dysport (di-sport) is a medicine which is used in muscle spasm of the arm, muscle spasm of the face, muscle spasm of the foot in cerebral palsy, muscle spasm of the muscles surrounding the eye and muscle spasm of the neck. Dysport contains botulinum toxin type a. It is supplied by Ipsen Ltd.

The information in this Medicine Guide for Dysport varies according to the condition being treated and the particular preparation used.

There are 2 preparations of Dysport available. If Dysport 500unit powder for solution for injection vials is not the preparation you are looking for, please select from the drop down list below.

Select your preparation (type) of Dysport

Dysport 500unit powder for solution for injection vials

Information specific to Dysport 500unit powder for solution for injection vials when used in Muscle spasm

 

Your medicine

Dysport is used in the treatment of spastic conditions caused by muscle spasms of the arm, eyelid, face and neck in adults. It is also used to treat spasms in the legs of children with cerebral palsy and helps improve their walking. It works by blocking the effects of a chemical which helps muscles contract. It stops muscle contraction in the muscle that it is injected into and this helps prevent muscle spasms.

Other information about Dysport:

Dysport is usually given to you by a healthcare professional. The person responsible for giving you your medicine will make sure that you get the right dose.

If you feel that the medicine is making you unwell or you do not think it is working, then talk to your prescriber or someone involved in your medical care.

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When to take your medicine

The person with responsibility for giving you your medicine will make sure that you have your medicine at the correct time.

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How to take your medicine

This medicine will be given to you as an injection. If you have any concerns about this medicine or how this will be given to you, talk to someone who is involved in your medical care.

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Taking too much of your medicine

Having extra doses of some medicines can be harmful. In some cases even one extra dose can cause you problems.

In the case of Dysport, the person who is responsible for giving you your medicine will make sure that you are given the correct dose.

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Stopping your medicine

The person in charge of your care will make the decision about when you should stop this medicine. If you experience any problems while having this medicine, talk to someone who is involved in your medical care.

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Looking after your medicine

As Dysport will be given to you as an injection, it will usually be stored by the medical team.

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Whether this medicine is suitable for you

Information specific to
Dysport 500unit powder for solution for injection vials when used in muscle spasm of the neck

Dysport is not suitable for everyone and some people should never use it. Other people should only use it with special care. It is important that the person prescribing this medicine knows your full medical history.

Your prescriber may only prescribe this medicine with special care or may not prescribe it at all if you:

As part of the process of assessing suitability to take this medicine a prescriber may also arrange tests:

  • to determine whether or not the medicine is suitable and whether it must be prescribed with extra care

Over time it is possible that Dysport can become unsuitable for some people, or they may become unsuitable for it. If at any time it appears that Dysport has become unsuitable, it is important that the prescriber is contacted immediately.

Information specific to
Dysport 500unit powder for solution for injection vials when used in muscle spasm of the arm
Dysport 500unit powder for solution for injection vials when used in muscle spasm of the face
Dysport 500unit powder for solution for injection vials when used in muscle spasm of the muscles surrounding the eye

Dysport is not suitable for everyone and some people should never use it. Other people should only use it with special care. It is important that the person prescribing this medicine knows your full medical history.

Your prescriber may only prescribe this medicine with special care or may not prescribe it at all if you:

  • are allergic or sensitive to or have had a reaction to any of the ingredients in the medicine
  • have an infection or inflammation in or around the area where Dysport is going to be injected
  • have bleeding problems
  • have breathing problems
  • have neuromuscular problems such as myasthenia gravis
  • have or have had swallowing difficulties

Over time it is possible that Dysport can become unsuitable for some people, or they may become unsuitable for it. If at any time it appears that Dysport has become unsuitable, it is important that the prescriber is contacted immediately.

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Side-effects

Information specific to
Dysport 500unit powder for solution for injection vials when used in muscle spasm of the neck

A medicine is only made available to the public if the clinical trials have shown that the benefits of taking the medicine outweigh the risks.

Once a medicine has been licensed, information on the medicine's effects, both intended and unintended, is continuously recorded and updated.

Some side-effects may be serious while others may only be a mild inconvenience.

Everyone's reaction to a medicine is different. It is difficult to predict which side-effects you will have from taking a particular medicine, or whether you will have any side-effects at all. The important thing is to tell your prescriber or pharmacist if you are having problems with your medicine.

Very common: More than 1 in 10 people who have Dysport

  • swallowing difficulties - you or your carer must seek immediate medical advice if you have swallowing difficulties. You may need to take a soft diet

Common: More than 1 in 100 people who have Dysport

Uncommon: More than 1 in 1000 people who have Dysport

Rare: More than 1 in 10,000 people who have Dysport

  • muscle wasting and pain
  • respiratory problems - you or your carer must seek immediate medical advice if you have breathing problems
  • skin rash or rashes

The frequency of these side-effects is unknown

  • production of antibodies to Dysport
  • speech problems - seek immediate medical advice if you develop speech problems
  • spread of toxin from the injection site may lead to debility, worsening of muscle weakness, swallowing problems, or pneumonia - these may be fatal

If you feel unwell or if you have concerns about a side-effect, you will need to seek advice. If you feel very ill, get medical help straight away. Contact your prescriber, pharmacist, nurse or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

Information specific to
Dysport 500unit powder for solution for injection vials when used in muscle spasm of the arm

A medicine is only made available to the public if the clinical trials have shown that the benefits of taking the medicine outweigh the risks.

Once a medicine has been licensed, information on the medicine's effects, both intended and unintended, is continuously recorded and updated.

Some side-effects may be serious while others may only be a mild inconvenience.

Everyone's reaction to a medicine is different. It is difficult to predict which side-effects you will have from taking a particular medicine, or whether you will have any side-effects at all. The important thing is to tell your prescriber or pharmacist if you are having problems with your medicine.

Common: More than 1 in 100 people who have Dysport

  • accidental injury due to falls
  • arm muscle weakness
  • bruising or pain at the injection site
  • difficulty in swallowing
  • flu or flu-like symptoms
  • weakness

Uncommon: More than 1 in 1000 people who have Dysport

Rare: More than 1 in 10,000 people who have Dysport

The frequency of these side-effects is unknown

  • production of antibodies to Dysport
  • speech problems - seek immediate medical advice if you develop speech problems
  • spread of toxin from the injection site may lead to debility, worsening of muscle weakness, swallowing problems, or pneumonia - these may be fatal. You or your carer must seek immediate medical advice if you have swallowing difficulties or breathing difficulties

If you feel unwell or if you have concerns about a side-effect, you will need to seek advice. If you feel very ill, get medical help straight away. Contact your prescriber, pharmacist, nurse or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

Information specific to
Dysport 500unit powder for solution for injection vials when used in muscle spasm of the face
Dysport 500unit powder for solution for injection vials when used in muscle spasm of the muscles surrounding the eye

A medicine is only made available to the public if the clinical trials have shown that the benefits of taking the medicine outweigh the risks.

Once a medicine has been licensed, information on the medicine's effects, both intended and unintended, is continuously recorded and updated.

Some side-effects may be serious while others may only be a mild inconvenience.

Everyone's reaction to a medicine is different. It is difficult to predict which side-effects you will have from taking a particular medicine, or whether you will have any side-effects at all. The important thing is to tell your prescriber or pharmacist if you are having problems with your medicine.

Very common: More than 1 in 10 people who have Dysport

  • drooping of the eyelid

Common: More than 1 in 100 people who have Dysport

Uncommon: More than 1 in 1000 people who have Dysport

Rare: More than 1 in 10,000 people who have Dysport

  • muscle wasting and pain
  • other eye or eyesight problems
  • skin rash or rashes

The frequency of these side-effects is unknown

  • paralysis of muscles close to injection site
  • production of antibodies to Dysport
  • speech problems - seek immediate medical advice if you develop speech problems
  • spread of toxin from the injection site may lead to debility, worsening of muscle weakness, swallowing problems, or pneumonia - these may be fatal. You or your carer must seek immediate medical advice if you have swallowing difficulties or breathing difficulties

If you feel unwell or if you have concerns about a side-effect, you will need to seek advice. If you feel very ill, get medical help straight away. Contact your prescriber, pharmacist, nurse or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

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Taking other medicines

If you are taking more than one medicine they may interact with each other. At times your prescriber may decide to use medicines that interact, in other cases this may not be appropriate.

The decision to use medicines that interact depends on your specific circumstances. Your prescriber may decide to use medicines that interact, if it is believed that the benefits of taking the medicines together outweigh the risks. In such cases, it may be necessary to alter your dose or monitor you more closely.

Tell your prescriber the names of all the medicines that you are taking so that they can consider all possible interactions. This includes all the medicines which have been prescribed by your GP, hospital doctor, dentist, nurse, health visitor, midwife or pharmacist. You must also tell your prescriber about medicines which you have bought over the counter without prescriptions.

The following types of medicine may interact with Dysport:

If you are taking Dysport and one of the above types of medicines, make sure your prescriber knows about it.

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Complementary preparations and vitamins

Medicines can interact with complementary preparations and vitamins. In general, there is not much information available about interactions between medicines and complementary preparations or vitamins.

If you are planning to take or are already taking any complementary preparations and vitamins you should ask your prescriber whether there are any known interactions with Dysport.

Your prescriber can advise whether it is appropriate for you to take combinations that are known to interact. They can also discuss with you the possible effect that the complementary preparations and vitamins may have on your condition.

If you experience any unusual effects while taking this medicine in combination with complementary preparations and vitamins, you should tell your prescriber.

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Driving and operating machinery

When taking any medicine you should be aware that it might interfere with your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.

In the case of Dysport:

  • this medicine could affect your ability to drive or operate machinery

You should see how this medicine affects you before you judge whether you are safe to drive or operate machinery. If you are in any doubt about whether you should drive or operate machinery, talk to your prescriber.

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Diet

Medicines can interact with certain foods. In some cases, this may be harmful and your prescriber may advise you to avoid certain foods.

In the case of Dysport:

  • there are no specific foods that you must exclude from your diet when having Dysport
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Alcohol

Alcohol can interact with certain medicines.

In the case of Dysport:

  • there are no known interactions between alcohol and Dysport
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Family planning and pregnancy

Most medicines, in some way, can affect the development of a baby in the womb. The effect on the baby differs between medicines and also depends on the stage of pregnancy that you have reached when you take the medicine.

In the case of Dysport:

  • you should only have this medicine during pregnancy if your doctor thinks that you need it

You should discuss your personal circumstances with your doctor if you are pregnant or want to become pregnant. This is so that together you can make a decision about what treatment you may need during your pregnancy.

You should discuss whether there are any other medicines which you could take during pregnancy which would treat your condition.

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Breast-feeding

Certain medicines can pass into breast milk and may reach your baby through breast-feeding.

In the case of Dysport:

  • it is not known whether this medicine passes into breast milk
  • there is not enough evidence to say that it is safe to have Dysport while breast-feeding. Dysport is not recommended for women who are breast-feeding

Before you have your baby you should discuss breast-feeding with your doctor or midwife. They will help you decide what is best for you and your baby based on the benefits and risks associated with this medicine. If you wish to breast-feed you should discuss with your prescriber whether there are any other medicines you could have which would also allow you to breast-feed.

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Ingredients of your medicine

Medicines contain active ingredients. They may also contain other, additional ingredients that help ensure the stability, safety and effectiveness of the medicine. Some may be used to prolong the life of the medicine.

Dysport contains:

If you are not able to take any of the ingredients in your medicine, talk to your prescriber or pharmacist to see if they can suggest an alternative medicine. If you have reacted badly to Dysport before, do not have Dysport. Talk to your prescriber, pharmacist or nurse as soon as possible.

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Dysport, Version 3, last updated 10 Jun 2011