Retrospective evaluation of the dose equivalence of Botox(®) and Dysport (®) in the management of blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm: a novel paradigm for a never ending story

Neurol Sci. 2012 Apr;33(2):261-7. doi: 10.1007/s10072-011-0672-7. Epub 2011 Jun 28.

Abstract

Botox(®) and Dysport(®) are the preparations of botulinum neurotoxin most widely used for therapeutic purposes. Several studies have addressed the topic of the equivalency ratio (D/B ratio) to be used in clinical practice and whether a reliable value exists is still a matter of debate. To this purpose, we ideated a novel paradigm by retrospectively examining the patients affected by hemifacial spasm and blepharospasm. We compared the pairs of treatments with a switch from one brand to the other undergone by the same patient in consecutive sessions with overlapping clinical outcome. Out of 2006 treatments, we found 51 treatment pairs. D/B ratio was extremely variable (range 1.2-13.3) and in most cases (65%) it was between 1:3 and 1:5. In conclusion, even if the 1:4 ratio might be reliable for clinical purpose, a true bioequivalence between Dysport(®) and Botox(®) might not exist due to the intrinsic difference in their pharmacokinetic properties.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Blepharospasm / drug therapy*
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Hemifacial Spasm / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A
  • abobotulinumtoxinA