WASHINGTON, March 9 (UPI) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says it has approved Botox to treat spasticity in the flexor muscles of the elbow, wrist, and fingers in adults.
Spasticity is common after stroke, traumatic brain injury or the progression of multiple sclerosis.
"Muscles affected by spasticity have increased stiffness and tightness, which may lead to pain, difficulties with hygiene and other activities of daily living, and may affect how a patient looks," said Dr. Russell Katz, director of the FDA's Division of Neurology Products. "In clinical trials, treatment with Botox was found to be beneficial to patients with upper limb spasticity."
The FDA said Botox (onabotulinumtoxin A) works by temporarily blocking the connections between nerves and muscles, resulting in a temporary paralysis of the spastic muscle.
The drug carries a FDA Boxed Warning that says the effects of the botulinum toxin may spread from the area of injection to other areas of the body, causing symptoms similar to those of botulism. Those symptoms include swallowing and breathing difficulties that can be life-threatening.
Botox is manufactured by Allergan Inc. of Irvine, Calif.
