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Frequently asked questions: How does Botox work? Botox prevents the release of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger that is necessary to stimulate the sweat glands. Without the stimulation, the sweat gland does not secrete any sweat. Why do I have excessive sweating? There is no reason why some people have hyperhidrosis and some don't. Every person is "wired" in a different way so that one person may be under a huge amount of stress and be dry while others are reading a book and feel perspiration under their arms. Some people have, coupled with this, fast heart rates, feeling warm all the time, etc. This is also seen frequently in families and seems to show a genetic influence. If I stop sweating under my arms, or hands and feet, will I sweat more elsewhere? No. The areas that are injected are so small compared to the rest of the body, there have been to reports of compensatory hyperhidrosis. Can everyone be treated? It should not be given to pregnant woman or woman who are about to become pregnant or patients who are receiving neuromuscular blocking drugs. How often can I be injected? It should not more frequently than every 3 months due to the theoretical risk of developing antibodies to the Botox. For the past several years, the manufacturer has decreased the amount of antibody producing protein to a minute level. There has not been any reported cases of antibody formation in the new formulation. (take this line of previous section as well....both are in the last paragraph) What does it cost? The cost for both underarms is $905.00 and uses 100 units of Botox. The cost for both hands is $1710.00 and the cost for both feet is $1710.00. This is because the added expense of 100 units of Botox is needed for EACH hand and EACH foot. The reason is that the injections need to be done closer together than in the axillary area and more Botox is needed. Does my insurance cover this? Usually not. Since this is an "off-label" use of an approved drug, most insurance companies will not cover it. Some are starting to realize that hyperhidrosis can be a disabling condition and are looking at this issue.
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