What to Expect: BOTOX for OAB (OnabotulinumtoxinA) Risks, Side Effects and Complications
If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation or if you need a second opinion, please contact us or call: 646-663-4151
Dr. Alex Shteynshlyuger is a board-certified urologist in NYC who specializes in treating men and women with urinary problems including frequent urination, difficulty emptying the bladder, urinary urgency and incontinence.
What are the Side Effects of Botox When Injected in the Bladder for Treatment of Bladder Control Problems
Large studies have shown that Botox, when injected in the urinary bladder for treatment of urinary symptoms including urinary urgency, frequent urination and for bladder control in patients with urinary incontinence, is a safe and effective treatment with few serious side effects.
While the warning label states that distant side effects of Botox are possible such as difficulty speaking/swallowing/breathing, they are apparently exceedingly rare when Botox is injected for treatment of OAB. No patients experienced distant side effects in randomized studies of Botox. In theory, the onabotulinumtoxinA can spread to other areas of the body but this would be an extremely rare occurrence following a relatively small dose of the medication which is given directly into the bladder.
Most common side effects from Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) administration in the bladder:
- Urinary infection – doctors will have taken steps to avoid this (symptomatic infection <17%)
- Urinary retention – you may need to empty your bladder by catheterizing yourself – and you will have been taught how to do this. You may need to empty your bladder a few times a day until your bladder starts functioning. (This only happens in less than 5% of people – and is always transient.)
- Passing urine may be uncomfortable for a day or so
In patients with pre-existing conditions there may be additional risks:
Spinal injury or neurological conditions: Autonomic Dysreflexia has an incidence of 1.5%. Patients require pre-medication to prevent this complication.
The New York Urology Specialists are available if you need urgent assistance if any of these problems arise.
If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation or if you need a second opinion, please contact us or call: 646-663-4151