Better than Botox?

Newer, yes. Better, maybe?

It appears that Reloxin will soon gain FDA approval after years of being used in Europe under the name of Dysport. Purtox is another new player from Johnson and Johnson that will likely be available in late 2009 or 2010.

Preliminary studies show similarities and differences between Botox and Reloxin.

Similarities:
Botulism Toxin A is the active ingredient in Botox and is found in Reloxin as well.

Differences:
Reloxin spreads to the surrounding tissues more so than Botox. This can potentially be a bad thing in that you have less control of your injection. In sensitive areas (for example-around the eyes) this can potentially be a problem. On the other hand in a safer area where one desires a broad treatment area (armpits, hands), this may mean less injections.

Reloxin is slighter cheaper for the doctor to purchase than Botox.

When I receive Botox, it comes in a powder. I reconstitute the Botox with sterile saline before administering it, as recommended by the manufacturer. This Botox is only effective for a few days for patient use after mixing. Reloxin has a longer time where it is still "usable". This benefits the doctor.

Conflicting data:
Although the company claims Reloxin should last longer than Botox, some studies show Reloxin to lasting equally as long as Botox, while others have Botox lasting longer.

There are some that believe that Reloxin is more likely to produce Antibodies against it, which translates to a tolerance to Reloxin after multiple treatments, in which Reloxin would no longer work.

My perspective

Whenever something new comes out, doctors often want to be the first to have it. Patients often want to be the first to try it. Just because it is new, doesn't mean it is better. We have seen this with different laser liposuction devices, Gortex implants, and even facial thread lifts. I will do my due diligence, and keep you in the loop.