The U.S. Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has approved the use of Botox from pharmaceutical company Allergan to lessen crow's feet or canthal lines. Meanwhile, in the UK, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approved Botox for the treatment of overactive bladder.

Botox: The Only FDA-Approved Drug Treatment for Crow's Feet

OnabotulinumtoxinA, most commonly known as Botox, is now officially the only FDA-approved drug treatment for crow's feet in adults. The approval came after results from two clinical studies showed participants given Botox treatment showed lessened canthal lines. Botox works by keeping muscles from tightening. In this way, crow's feet are less visible.

Back in 2002, Allergan also received FDA approval for Botox as a drug treatment for glabellar or frown lines which are the wrinkles between the eyebrows. So, now, Botox treatment for frown lines and crow's feet can be simultaneously given.

Botox can also be used to treat several other conditions. These include chronic migraine, profuse underarm sweating, eyelid spasm or blepharospasm and misalignment of the eyes known as strabismus.

However, Botox may also trigger adverse reactions in the user. For those using Botox for crow's feet, eyelid edema is a common negative reaction. Eyelid edema is characterized by swollen eyelids that may also contain fluid.

Botulism-like symptoms, such as difficulties in swallowing and breathing, caused by botulin toxin may also be experienced by users. The boxes of Botox from Allergan specifically contain explicit warning against the toxin.

Should you experience any adverse reaction to Botox, the FDA encourages you to report it. You may channel your report to its MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program or the FDA's hotline at 800-FDA-1088.

MHRA Approves Botox for Overactive Bladder

In the UK, Allergan was given a license by the MHRA to use Botox in treating overactive bladder. Specifically, the treatment is indicated for patients who show symptoms of the disease and who are not showing improvements with anticholinergics.

Botox has also received recommendation from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence for treatment of the urinary disease. "With two licenses for bladder dysfunction as well as ongoing research and development investment, Allergan is emerging as a global specialty leader in urology," stated Paul Navarre, president of Allergan in Europe, Africa and the Middle East, as quoted by Zenopa.