What Is Reloxin?

By Dr. Stephen Cosentino

Does the name "Reloxin" jog a faint memory? You're not imagining it. Reloxin has been a topic of conversation in the medical aesthetic community for more than 15 years, dating back to the late 2000s. This article delves into the history, applications, and comparisons of Reloxin - now known as Dysport - with its famous counterpart, Botox®.

What is Reloxin?

Reloxin is a type of neuromodulator derived from botulinum toxin. Today, it's largely known by its brand name, Dysport®. The "Reloxin" moniker is a throwback to its early history when drug developer Medicis marketed it as an alternative to Botox.

Chemical Composition

Reloxin's active ingredient is chemically identical to Botox's and other botulinum toxin neuromodulators. What distinguishes it - and why it's not simply marketed as Botox - is the protein complex that supports the active ingredient. Reloxin's (or Dysport's) protein complex has a very different signature than Botox's, which has implications for the medication's efficacy, safety profile, duration of results, and other factors.

Reloxin vs. Botox: Key Differences

From the patient's standpoint, the most important differences between Reloxin and Botox are:

Onset of action: Reloxin typically takes effect more quickly than Botox
Duration of results: Reloxin's effects may last slightly longer in some patients
Diffusion: Reloxin tends to spread more widely from the injection site, which can be advantageous or disadvantageous depending on the treatment area
Dosing: Reloxin is typically administered in higher doses than Botox, though the exact conversion ratio is debated

The Journey to Approval

Reloxin's long journey to regulatory approval began in the 2000s. At that time, Botox's early success supercharged the botulinum toxin neuromodulator pipeline, sending a wave of imitators into the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's approval docket.

Regulatory Challenges

Reloxin hit a speed bump in 2008 when its initial application was rejected by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration over "administrative issues." However, neither Reloxin's safety nor its efficacy were ever in serious doubt, and the drug received approval the following year.

Rebranding to Dysport

Around the time of its approval, the manufacturer rebranded Reloxin to "Dysport," the trade name used by its European distributor, to ensure consistency on both sides of the Atlantic. Despite this, Reloxin never really took off in the United States. Its market share remains far below Botox's, and it now shares the marketplace with newer entrants like Xeomin and Jeuveau.

Approved and Off-Label Uses

Reloxin was initially approved to treat cervical dystonia, a painful musculoskeletal condition affecting the neck, and certain types of wrinkles. It's still used for those indications. Additionally, it's now used in the treatment of:

Frown lines
Brow lifts
A much larger number of "off-label" uses for patients who don't tolerate Botox well

Safety Profile and Side Effects

Like Botox®, Reloxin is widely regarded as safe and effective. Its adverse effects and complications are mostly mild, temporary, and similar to those observed in Botox and other botulinum toxin medications:

Injection site reactions (redness, swelling, bruising)
Headache
Eyelid drooping (ptosis)
Dry eye or excessive tearing
Flu-like symptoms

Rare but Serious Complications

More serious complications are rare but can include:

Deep-skin infection
Muscle pain or weakness elsewhere in the body
Urinary incontinence
Difficulty swallowing

These events require immediate medical attention.

The Importance of Proper Training and Administration

As with any Botox alternative, Reloxin/Dysport patients should always work with a board-certified provider who has completed botulinum toxin neuromodulator training. This ensures optimal results and minimizes the risk of complications.

The Future of Reloxin in Aesthetic Medicine

While Reloxin (Dysport) may not have achieved the same level of name recognition as Botox, it remains a valuable tool in the aesthetic medicine toolkit. Its unique properties make it an excellent alternative for patients who may not respond well to Botox or are seeking slightly different results.

Ongoing Research and Development

As with all neurotoxins, ongoing research continues to explore new applications and refine existing techniques for Reloxin. This research may lead to expanded approved uses or improved formulations in the future.

Choosing Between Reloxin and Other Neuromodulators

Anyone debating whether to use Reloxin (Dysport) versus Botox or other neuromodulators should consult a qualified healthcare provider. Factors to discuss with your provider include:

The specific area being treated
Your medical history and any previous experiences with neuromodulators
The desired onset and duration of effects
The provider's experience and comfort level with different products

Summing It All Up

Reloxin, now known as Dysport, represents an important chapter in the evolution of botulinum toxin treatments. While it may not have achieved the household name status of Botox, it offers a valuable alternative with unique advantages. As aesthetic medicine continues to advance, products like Reloxin will play an important role in providing patients with personalized treatment options.

For medical professionals interested in expanding their knowledge and skills in this area, comprehensive training in botulinum toxin administration is essential. This ensures the ability to offer patients the full range of neuromodulator options and to achieve optimal results safely and effectively.