RSD Alert
www.rsdalert.co.uk

Warning and encouraging

If you came to this site direct from a Search engine and don't know about Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, please take time to visit our Home page and learn about RSD.

back to Drugs Index

RSD Alert Home Page

RSD Alert is a voluntary organisation publishing RSD/CRPS information, mostly provided by our readers. Every approved medical drug works for some people but not for others. Don't be alarmed by what you read. If in doubt consult your medical advisor.
To make personal contact with one of the RSD Alert Team click CONTACT.
click to make contact with a member of our Team

To pass on information for publication in "Drugs on RSD Alert" click Submit Info.
click to send us information about RSD/CRPS medications

Drugs

Drugs on RSD Alert

(notes and comments from correspondents)

Botulinum
Description
 NEWS ITEM - drug under development
Side effects

(Don't be unduly alarmed. All drugs cause side effects for some patients)

 {side effects}
Warnings

(These are standard cautions but may not be applicable to your case)

 {warnings}

Comments
September 2001 Report - Daily Telegraph, Times, Independent - "Toxin used as a painkiller"
The most poisonous substance known to science is being developed into a drug for treating chronic pain. Botulinum toxin has inspired new treatments for whiplash injury, migraine and chronic pain. Early results of laboratory trials show that one dose of the prototype can provide pain relief for weeks and even months. Scientists at the Government's Centre for Applied Microbiology Research at Porton Down in Wiltshire believe they can successfully treat chronic pain with no side effects - one of the most difficult areas in medicine. The Porton Down team is modifying the toxin so that it can target the nerve fibres in chronic pain without causing muscle weakness.

The centre's director of products, Peter Hambleton, said: "Botulinum toxins are the most potent toxins known to man. They act by preventing the signals passing from nerves to the muscles, so inducing flaccid paralysis which is often fatal." Botulinum toxin targets the nerves that control muscles and it is now used for a range of treatments, from wrinkle removal to writers' cramp and cerebral palsy. The centre's programme director of toxins, Dr Keith Foster, told the Science Festival: "We have experimental results which indicate there is in fact a potential to target the toxin to nerves responsible for pain and block their function for many weeks. This opens up the possibility to develop novel pharmaceuticals for the treatment of chronic pain." Provided by Derek - West Wales
www.rsdalert.co.uk
for correspondence click CONTACT