{"id":10628,"date":"2020-04-14T14:23:03","date_gmt":"2020-04-14T18:23:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=10628"},"modified":"2026-01-28T13:43:37","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T18:43:37","slug":"xeomin-vs-botox","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/xeomin-vs-botox\/","title":{"rendered":"Xeomin vs. Botox: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you"},"content":{"rendered":"

Drug overview & main differences<\/a> | Conditions treated<\/a> | Efficacy<\/a> | Insurance coverage and cost comparison<\/a> | Side effects<\/a> | Drug interactions<\/a> | Warnings<\/a> | FAQ<\/a><\/p>\n

Cosmetic medicine has popularized the use of injectables for promoting smoother, younger looking skin. <\/span>Xeomin and Botox<\/span><\/a> are two injectable treatments that are commonly used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.<\/span><\/p>\n

Xeomin and Botox contain botulinum toxin type A, a neurotoxin produced by a bacterial species called<\/span> Clostridium botulinum<\/span><\/i><\/a>. This neurotoxin works by blocking neuromuscular signals to relax targeted muscles at the injection site. Despite the fact that these treatments contain the same active ingredient, they have some differences in how they are used and formulated.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the main differences between Xeomin and Botox?<\/h2>\n

The main difference between Xeomin and Botox is that Xeomin contains a \u201cnaked\u201d form of botulinum toxin. Unlike <\/span>Botox<\/span><\/a>, which contains<\/span> accessory proteins<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Xeomin<\/span><\/a> is designed to deliver the toxin without any protein additives. This purified structure may help prevent<\/span> antibody resistance<\/span><\/a>, a growing problem that has been seen with botulinum toxin injections administered over time.<\/span><\/p>\n

Xeomin<\/span><\/a>, which is manufactured by Merz Pharma, can be stored at room temperature or in a refrigerator before using it. <\/span>Botox<\/span><\/a> is manufactured by Allergan, and it needs to be stored in a refrigerator prior to use.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Main differences between Xeomin and Botox<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
<\/td>\nXeomin<\/strong><\/td>\nBotox<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/strong><\/td>\nBotulinum Toxin Type A
\nNeuromodulators<\/td>\n		Botulinum Toxin Type A
\nNeuromodulators<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic status<\/strong><\/td>\nBrand name only<\/td>\nBrand name only<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the generic name?<\/strong><\/td>\nIncobotulinumtoxinA<\/td>\nOnabotulinumtoxinA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/strong><\/td>\nInjection powder for solution<\/td>\nInjection powder for solution<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the standard dosage?<\/strong><\/td>\nLines and wrinkles: 20 units divided into vie sites (4 units per injection)<\/td>\nLines and wrinkles: 20 units divided into five sites (4 units per injection)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
How long is the typical treatment?<\/strong><\/td>\nTreatment may need to be repeated every three to four months.<\/td>\nTreatment may need to be repeated every three to four months.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/strong><\/td>\nAdults 18 years and older<\/td>\nAdults 18 years and older<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
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Conditions treated by Xeomin and Botox<\/h2>\n

Xeomin was FDA-approved in 2010 to not only treat glabellar lines, or fine lines, but also a number of other conditions. As a cosmetic treatment, Xeomin can help temporarily get rid of frown lines, forehead lines, and crow\u2019s feet around the eyes. Xeomin can also treat excessive drooling and salivation (chronic sialorrhea), as well as<\/span> abnormal muscle contractions<\/span><\/a> of the neck (cervical dystonia), eyelids (blepharospasm), or limbs (limb spasticity).<\/span><\/p>\n

Botox<\/span><\/a> was initially FDA approved in 1989. It can be used for cosmetic treatments as well as other conditions such as an overactive bladder, urinary incontinence, and excessive sweating. It is also approved to prevent <\/span>migraines<\/span><\/a>. <\/span>Like Xeomin<\/span><\/a>, Botox can treat muscle spasms and abnormal contractions of the limbs, neck, and eyelids.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Condition<\/strong><\/td>\nXeomin<\/strong><\/td>\nBotox<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Glabellar lines<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Excessive drooling\/salivation<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nOff-label<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Abnormal muscle contractions of the neck muscles, eyelids, or limbs<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Headaches and migraines<\/td>\nOff-label<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Overactive bladder<\/td>\nOff-label<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Urinary incontinence due to a neurological disorder<\/td>\nOff-label<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Excessive sweating<\/td>\nOff-label<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Is Xeomin or Botox more effective?<\/h2>\n

For cosmetic purposes, Xeomin and <\/span>Botox<\/span><\/a> are effective treatments. They are both relatively convenient treatments to administer compared to plastic surgery and other invasive procedures.<\/span><\/p>\n

Both Xeomin and Botox start working once they\u2019re injected into the muscle. For aesthetic purposes, their full effect may not be seen until seven to 14 days after injection or longer.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to one randomized,<\/span> double-blind study<\/span><\/a>, Xeomin was found to work faster and last longer than Botox. The study, which assessed 180 people over six months, found that more women experienced greater effects compared to men.<\/span> Dysport<\/span><\/a> (abobotulinumtoxinA), another botulinum toxin injection, was also included in the study and fared on a similar level with Botox when compared to Xeomin. These 3 medications\u2014<\/span>Xeomin, Botox, and Dysport<\/span><\/a>\u2014all work in similar ways.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The <\/span>Journal of Dermatology Surgery<\/span><\/a> published results from a double-blind clinical trial comparing the active ingredients of Xeomin and Botox. The trial included 250 women who either received 20 units of Xeomin or 20 units of Botox. According to this study, both toxin injections showed similar effectiveness after four months.<\/span><\/p>\n

Aside from the fact that these injections work in identical ways, they must also be administered by a licensed provider or medical doctor, such as a<\/span> board-certified <\/span>dermatologist<\/span><\/a> or plastic surgeon. Consult your provider to determine which option is better for you.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Coverage and cost comparison of Xeomin vs. Botox<\/h2>\n

Unfortunately, there are no generic versions of Xeomin or Botox available. These drugs are <\/span>biologic drugs<\/span><\/a>. A similar, less expensive alternative to a biologic drug is called a biosimilar. There are not any biosimilars available at this time for Xeomin or Botox.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Although they may still be expensive, the good news is that Xeomin and Botox are relatively <\/span>similar in price<\/span><\/a>. The average retail cost of either drug can be $1,000 or more for a vial. However, since you would be getting treatment administered at a medspa or doctor\u2019s office, your treatment session may be priced differently.<\/span><\/p>\n

Medicare prescription plans and most insurance plans do not cover Xeomin or Botox. With a<\/span> SingleCare discount card<\/span><\/a> for Xeomin or Botox, the cash price can be lowered significantly. Depending on the pharmacy you use, Xeomin could cost less than $500 and Botox slightly more than $600.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\nXeomin<\/strong><\/td>\nBotox<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by insurance?<\/strong><\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by Medicare?<\/strong><\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Standard dosage<\/strong><\/td>\n1 vial (100 units)<\/td>\n1 vial (100 units)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typical Medicare copay<\/strong><\/td>\n$1,109<\/td>\n$1,382<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SingleCare cost<\/strong><\/td>\n$496+<\/td>\n$634+<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Common side effects of Xeomin vs. Botox<\/h2>\n

After receiving an injection, you may experience minor redness, pain, or swelling around the area.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Side effects and the frequency at which they occur may vary depending on the indication for Xeomin or Botox use.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In patients taking Xeomin for glabellar lines, the most common side effect is headache, which occurs in about 5% of people.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In those taking Botox for glabellar lines, forehead lines, or crow\u2019s feet, the most common side effects are headache (occurring in about 9% of people), drooping eyelids (3%), swollen eyelids (1%), and drooping eyebrows (2%).<\/span><\/p>\n

More serious side effects may include hypersensitivity or allergic reactions. If you experience a rash, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, seek medical attention immediately.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information about possible side effects.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Source: DailyMed (<\/span>Xeomin<\/span><\/a>), DailyMed (<\/span>Botox<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/p>\n

Xeomin vs. Botox aftercare<\/h3>\n

After receiving an injection of Xeomin or Botox, you\u2019ll want to <\/span>follow some instructions<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n