Dysport: what it is, what the label says, what to ask

MedSpaGrades editorial teamUpdated 22 Oct 20264 sources checkedHow we write

Dysport is a brand name of a prescription medicine called abobotulinumtoxinA. It is a botulinum toxin, in the same family as Botox. This page says what the FDA-approved label and the FDA say about its cosmetic use. It does not say whether you should have it, or whether it is a better or worse choice than another brand.

What it is

The FDA says botulinum toxin products such as Botox, Dysport, Xeomin and Jeuveau are injectable drugs that work by keeping muscles from tightening, so wrinkles do not show as much. They are not dermal fillers. Dysport's label describes it as an acetylcholine release inhibitor and neuromuscular blocking agent: it works on the nerve signal that tells a muscle to contract.

The Dysport label covers more than cosmetic use. It also covers cervical dystonia and spasticity, which are medical conditions. This page is only about the cosmetic use.

What it is approved for

The label says Dysport is indicated for the temporary improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe glabellar lines (the frown lines between the eyebrows) associated with procerus and corrugator muscle activity, in adults younger than 65. The Patient Information says it is not known whether Dysport is safe or effective for glabellar lines in people younger than 18. The label reports that only 8 people (1%) in its placebo-controlled glabellar line studies were 65 or older.

The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), a society of dermatologists who do surgery, lists Dysport with Botox, Xeomin and Jeuveau as neuromodulators used to treat wrinkles, frown lines and crow's feet. Treating areas other than the one on the label is a decision for you and your provider. ASDS says a physician must tell you if a neuromodulator is used off-label, meaning in a way that was not part of its FDA approval.

How long it lasts

The label says the clinical effect of Dysport may last up to four months, and that it should be given no more often than every three months. It also says that in clinical studies, repeat dosing showed continued effect with up to four repeat treatments. ASDS says the effects of neuromodulators typically last about three months.

What the studies showed

The label reports three studies of frown lines in which people were treated once with Dysport or with placebo. The label's measure of success was a composite of the investigator's and the person's own rating, showing lines at none or mild and at least two grades better than before, at maximum frown, on day 30. Success was seen in 55% of treated people in the first study (58 of 105), 52% in the second (37 of 71) and 60% in the third (120 of 200). In the placebo groups it was 0% in all three. The label says Dysport reduced the severity of frown lines for up to four months.

This is what happened in the label's studies, for frown lines only, under trial conditions. It is not a promise about your results. The Botox label states that adverse reaction rates from one drug's trials cannot be directly compared with another's, and the same caution applies to results. Dysport's studies and Botox's studies used different designs and measures.

Risks and side effects

Like every botulinum toxin product, Dysport carries a boxed warning about distant spread of toxin effect. The label says the effects may spread from the injection area and cause symptoms such as generalized muscle weakness, double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, trouble swallowing or speaking, urinary incontinence and breathing difficulties. It says swallowing and breathing difficulties can be life threatening, and that there have been reports of death.

In the placebo-controlled glabellar line studies, the most common side effects (reported by 2% or more of treated people) were nasopharyngitis, headache, injection site pain, injection site reaction, upper respiratory tract infection, eyelid edema, eyelid ptosis, sinusitis, nausea and blood in the urine.

The label says Dysport must not be used by people with a known allergy to any botulinum toxin product, to cow's milk protein or to anything in the formulation, or when there is an infection at the planned injection site. It says the product may contain trace amounts of cow's milk protein.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

The label says there are no adequate and well-controlled studies of Dysport in pregnant women, and that it should be used in pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. It says there are no data on whether it is present in breast milk. If you are pregnant, may become pregnant or are breastfeeding, say so at the consultation.

Dysport units

The label says units of Dysport cannot be converted into units of any other botulinum toxin product. A unit is a measure of that product's own strength. A price per unit therefore cannot be compared directly between Dysport and another brand.

Who gives it

Dysport is a prescription medicine. Which licensed professionals may inject it, and under whose supervision, depends on the state. See our guide to who may inject and our guide to questions to ask before you book. If you are weighing it against Botox, see Botox vs Dysport.

What it costs

We do not give prices on this page. Our cost guide for botulinum toxin treatments covers how clinics quote prices.

Common questions