Description and Brand Names

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

US Brand Name

  1. Myobloc

Descriptions


RimabotulinumtoxinB injection is used to treat the abnormal head position and neck pain that result from cervical dystonia (severe muscle spasms of the neck). This medicine is also used to treat chronic sialorrhea (drooling or excessive salivation) in adults. RimabotulinumtoxinB is a botulinum toxin B product. It works on the nervous system to relax the muscles.

RimabotulinumtoxinB is injected into the muscles that are affected. Depending on your condition, more than one treatment may be required.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription and will be given only by your doctor.

This product is available in the following dosage forms:

  • Solution

Before Using

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of rimabotulinumtoxinB injection in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of rimabotulinumtoxinB injection in the elderly.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Other Interactions

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease) or
  • Lambert-Eaton syndrome (nerve-muscle disorder) or
  • Motor neuropathy (muscle or nerve problem) or
  • Myasthenia gravis (severe muscle weakness)—May cause side effects to become worse.
  • Bleeding problems or
  • Breathing problems (eg, asthma, emphysema) or
  • Dysarthria (trouble with speaking) or
  • Dysphagia (trouble with swallowing) or
  • Dysphonia (voice problem) or
  • Ptosis (droopy eyelid) or
  • Urinary incontinence (problems passing urine)—Use with caution. May make these conditions worse.
  • Infection at the injection site—Should not be used in patients with this condition.

Proper Use

Your doctor will give you this medicine in a hospital or clinic. This medicine is given as a shot into one of your muscles.

Your doctor will only use rimabotulinumtoxinB (Myobloc®) to treat your condition. Other botulinum toxin products may not work the same way and require a different dose.

If you need to receive an injection of any botulinum toxin product within 4 months after receiving this medicine, tell the doctor when you last received a dose of rimabotulinumtoxinB.

This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow the instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to receive it.

This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth while you are receiving this medicine.

Serious muscle reactions have occurred within hours to weeks after receiving this medicine. If you start to have muscle weakness or trouble with swallowing, talking, or breathing, call your doctor right away. In some situations, these problems could be life-threatening and may require treatment in a hospital or clinic.

This medicine may make your muscles weak and cause vision problems. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you feel weak or are not able to see well.

One part of this medicine is made from donated human blood. Some human blood products have transmitted certain viruses to people who have received them. The risk of getting a virus from medicines made of human blood has been greatly reduced in recent years. This is the result of required testing of human donors for certain viruses, and testing during the manufacture of these medicines. Although the risk is low, talk with your doctor if you have concerns.

Side Effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

  1. Difficulty with swallowing
  2. infection
  3. neck pain
  4. uncontrolled twisting movements of the neck

Rare

  1. Difficulty with breathing or speaking
  2. muscle weakness

Incidence not known

  1. Cough
  2. dizziness
  3. fast heartbeat
  4. hives, itching, or skin rash
  5. large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
  6. puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips or tongue
  7. tightness in the chest
  8. unusual tiredness or weakness

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

  1. Acid or sour stomach
  2. back pain
  3. belching
  4. bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of the skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site
  5. cough
  6. difficulty with moving
  7. dizziness
  8. dry mouth
  9. flu-like syndrome
  10. headache
  11. heartburn or indigestion
  12. lack or loss of strength or energy
  13. muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness
  14. nausea
  15. pain, swelling, or redness in the joints
  16. stomach discomfort, upset, or pain

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them: