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Dysport® Vs. Botox®

Dysport® comprises of abobotulinum toxin A and Botox® comprise of onabotulinum toxin A, a toxin that is derived from the Clostridium botulinum bacteria. 

In both cases, the toxin acts by blocking the neuromuscular junctions in a similar fashion.

Dysport® is often used to manage cervical dystonia which is characterised by abnormal tone in the muscles of the neck which results in an abnormal head position. 

female patient getting forehead injection

This application also hold good for Botox® as well. In addition, both of these drugs are useful in treating fine lines and wrinkles.

How Are They Different?

There are a handful of differences between Dysport and Botox®
  1. Dysport® has a quicker onset of action, meaning its effects on the site where it is injected are seen a lot sooner. On the other hand, Botox® can take a bit longer to exert any effects. On an average, it is estimated that Dysport® takes around 48 hours to exert its effects, while Botox® can take up to 7 days to show any benefit. This difference may be due to the difference in the type of protein that encases the botulinum toxin.
  2. The duration of action between the 2 also varies. On an average, studies have estimated that Dysport® injections last or up to 4 months, while Botox® injections last only around 3 months or so. While this difference may not seem much, it does cut down the number of times the injections will have to be administered to patients who need long term treatment. However, reports on the duration of action vary and some people do not believe there is any major difference between the two.
  3. The dosage of the 2 drugs is different, and probably relates to the potency of the drug. Larger doses of Dysport® will need to be given when compared to Botox® to achieve the same effect in patients. Schools of thought vary and there is no clear cut guideline. Some recommend using 3 units of Dysport to achieve the same effect as 1 unit of Botox®.
  4. Dysport® is cheaper than Botox®. This may be because more Dysport® needs to be injected to achieve the same effect as an equivalent dose of Botox®.
  5. Storage of the two products varies. Botox® is a freeze dried product that needs to be stored either frozen at -5°C or refrigerated between 2 to 8°C until it is reconstituted. This needs to be strictly observed. On the other hand, Dysport® does not need to be in a deep freeze but must be stored between 2 to 8°C once it is reconstituted.

Conclusion

There are many similarities and a few differences between Dysport® and Botox®. 

The end result achieved however appears to be the same between the two drugs when used for any of the recommended indications. 

At the end of the day, patient preference and cost will eventually drive which of the two will be used by the physician.

Botox is a trademark of Allergan Inc.; Dysport is a trademark of Galderma

Jeff Russell, Founder and Executive Director of IAPAM

Jeff Russell

Medical Spa Business Expert · Founder & Executive Director

Jeff is the founder and Executive Director of IAPAM. Since 2004 he has built seven companies, including a medical spa, and has personally taught more than 10,000 healthcare providers how to open and run their own practices. He is the best-selling author of Secrets to a Successful Practice and Fire Yourself First®.

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