Azzalure treatment

Azzalure is a prescription-only medicine containing botulinum toxin type A. It temporarily reduces activity in selected muscles by interfering with the nerve signal that causes them to contract.

Azzalure and Botox are different branded medicines. Both are botulinum toxin type A products, but their approved product information and dose units are product-specific.

In the UK, Azzalure is licensed for the temporary improvement of certain moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows and crow's feet beside the eyes in adults under 65, where the severity of the lines has an important psychological impact.

A consultation should determine whether any treatment is appropriate; discussing Azzalure does not mean it will necessarily be prescribed or administered.

For broader information about botulinum toxin treatment, see the main Botox guide.

Azzalure at a glance

What is it?
A prescription-only medicine containing botulinum toxin type A.

What units does it use?
Azzalure is measured in Speywood units.

Can the units be compared directly with another botulinum toxin product?
No. Azzalure's Speywood units are specific to the product and are not interchangeable with units used for other botulinum toxin medicines.

What is it licensed for cosmetically in the UK?
Moderate to severe glabellar lines, commonly called frown lines, and lateral canthal lines, commonly called crow's feet, within the conditions specified in the product licence.

Who can receive it under the licensed cosmetic indication?
Adults under 65. It is not recommended for people under 18.

When can an effect start to become noticeable?
The UK patient information says the effect should become noticeable within a few days.

How often can treatment be repeated?
The treatment interval depends on individual response, but it should not be more frequent than every three months.

Does it add volume?
No. It acts on muscle activity rather than functioning as a dermal filler.

What is Azzalure?

Azzalure contains botulinum toxin type A. It works at the connection between nerves and muscles, reducing the release of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger involved in muscle contraction.

The resulting reduction in activity is temporary.

This means Azzalure is relevant to lines where repeated muscle movement contributes to their appearance. A line that is already clearly visible while the face is relaxed does not automatically disappear simply because the underlying muscle contracts less strongly.

For a broader explanation of this mechanism, see how botulinum toxin works.

Is Azzalure the same as Botox?

No.

Azzalure and Botox are separate prescription-only medicines. Both use botulinum toxin type A, but each product has its own formulation, approved information and dosing system.

Azzalure uses Speywood units. These units cannot be directly converted into or compared one-for-one with units from another botulinum toxin product.

A larger number of units on one clinic's price or treatment information therefore does not by itself mean that one product is stronger, weaker or better.

For a broader treatment comparison, see how Botox treatments can be compared.

What is Azzalure licensed for in the UK?

The UK licence covers the temporary improvement in the appearance of:

• moderate to severe glabellar lines — vertical frown lines between the eyebrows seen at maximum frown; and

• moderate to severe lateral canthal lines — crow's feet seen at maximum smile.

The licensed indication applies to adults under 65 when the severity of the lines has an important psychological impact.

For more detail about the individual treatment areas, see:

• Botox for frown lines

• Botox for crow's feet

What about Azzalure in other facial areas?

This public UK page should not present Azzalure as an advertised treatment for cosmetic areas outside its licensed indications.

Botulinum toxin medicines may sometimes be used outside their marketing authorisation following an individual clinical decision, but that is different from a licensed indication and should not be promoted to the public as an Azzalure treatment option.

If you are interested in another concern or facial area, a consultation can consider the available treatment options rather than starting from the assumption that Azzalure should be used.

When does Azzalure start working?

The effect is not immediate at the moment of injection.

According to the UK product information, an effect should become noticeable within a few days. Clinical studies of glabellar lines found a median onset of response of approximately two to three days.

The visible response then develops further rather than appearing all at once.

For wider information about how botulinum toxin effects develop and fade, see how long Botox lasts.

How long does Azzalure last?

The effect is temporary.

In clinical studies of glabellar lines, an effect was demonstrated for up to around four months, with some participants still responding later. Individual duration can vary.

The UK product information also states that Azzalure should not be administered more frequently than every three months.

That does not mean treatment should automatically be repeated every three months. Any repeat treatment should depend on individual assessment and response.

What side effects can Azzalure cause?

Azzalure can cause side effects.

The UK product information lists headache and injection-site reactions among the most frequent reactions seen in clinical studies. Depending on the treated area, reactions can also include eyelid swelling, eyelid drooping, temporary weakness in nearby facial muscles, dry eye and other eye-related symptoms.

Injection-site reactions may include redness, swelling, irritation, itching, discomfort, pain or bruising.

Very rarely, effects associated with botulinum toxin can spread away from the injection area and cause excessive muscle weakness or problems with swallowing or breathing.

Seek immediate medical attention if serious swallowing, speech or breathing difficulties occur.

For broader information about unwanted effects, see Botox treatment complications.

Important information before treatment

Azzalure, pregnancy and breastfeeding

Azzalure should not be used during pregnancy, and its use during breastfeeding is not recommended in the UK product information.

Tell the healthcare practitioner if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, are planning a pregnancy or are breastfeeding before any treatment is considered.

For wider context around botulinum toxin treatment and pregnancy, see Botox during pregnancy.

What should you know about Azzalure aftercare?

Aftercare advice may depend on the treatment area and individual circumstances.

Follow the instructions provided by the healthcare practitioner who assessed and treated you rather than relying on a generic list as a substitute for personal advice.

If you develop unexpected or worsening symptoms, contact the treating service. Serious problems with swallowing, speaking or breathing require urgent medical assessment.

For general practical information, see the Botox aftercare guide.

What does an Azzalure consultation need to establish?

A consultation should not start from the assumption that Azzalure will be prescribed.

Relevant points may include:

• the concern you want assessed;

• whether it falls within the medicine's licensed indications;

• facial anatomy and muscle activity;

• medical history;

• current medicines;

• previous botulinum toxin treatment;

• expectations and limitations;

• possible side effects and complications;

• alternative options;

• what follow-up would involve.

A consultation may result in Azzalure not being considered appropriate.

How should you compare practitioners and clinics?

The product name alone does not tell you whether a particular clinic or practitioner is appropriate.

Useful points to compare include:

• who carries out the assessment;

• who prescribes where prescribing is required;

• relevant professional information;

• experience with botulinum toxin and the treatment area;

• how risks and alternatives are explained;

• what follow-up arrangements are available.

For more detailed comparison criteria, see choosing a Botox practitioner and how to compare Botox clinics and treatments.

How much does Azzalure treatment cost?

Private clinic charges can vary according to the consultation, treatment area and clinic pricing structure.

However, price should not be used to encourage someone to choose Azzalure over another possible treatment option. The decision about a prescription-only medicine should follow an appropriate consultation.

For general private botulinum toxin pricing information, see Botox costs.

Frequently asked questions about Azzalure