what peptide is in daxxify FAQ

“Daxxify and Botox are brand names for a type A injectable neurotoxin, and both are used to minimize wrinkles by temporarily paralyzing muscles,” says Juliena Gigon, PA-C, with the Center for Plastic Surgery at MetroDerm in Atlanta. But, Gigon explains, “each requires specific yet different proteins to stabilize the toxin. Botox uses a human-derived product as a stabilizer, and Daxxify uses a special peptide not derived from human or animal sources.” Importantly, Daxxify and Botox are not interchangeable; they have different strengths. One unit of Botox does not equal one unit of Daxxify, so they shouldn’t be swapped. Derivative of botulinum neurotoxin type-A (BoNT-A) Yes, botulinum toxin type A derivative Yes, botulinum toxin type A derivative Duration of effect Storage temperature Must be stored in a refrigerator at 2 to 8 degrees C (36 to 46 degrees F) Can be stored at room temperature (20 to 25 degrees C, or 68 to 77 degrees F), or refrigerated at 2 to 8 degrees C (36 to 46 degrees F) Limitations of use/approval Approved for both cosmetic and various medical uses, including migraine, overactive bladder, and excessive sweating Approved only for glabellar lines (frown lines) and cervical dystonia

So how are Daxxify and Botox different? Daxxify lasts significantly longer than Botox, with results lasting an average of six months, compared with three to four months for Botox. But does that mean it’s automatically the better choice for you? Keep reading to learn more about Daxxify and Botox, including how they compare with other neurotoxins on the market, health and medical uses, risks and side effects, interactions, and more.

Botox is FDA-approved to treat many more health conditions including:

“Technically, yes,” says Dr. Goldberg, “but, practically, there would be no reason to use both at the same time.” Furthermore, there are safety concerns about using two muscle relaxants at once, as highlighted in the FDA’s prescribing instructions for the drugs. “It is not recommended to use both in the same area at the same time,” says Gigon. Instead, some people may prefer to try either one or the other first. For example, you may wish to use Botox first, as it’s shorter-lasting, and see how you feel about the results, says Joshua Zeichner, MD, an associate professor and the director of cosmetic and clinical research in the department of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. If that works for you, you might consider switching to Daxxify. “Because the effect lasts much longer, you cannot undo an outcome that you are not happy with. Once you have an established relationship with a doctor and are happy with your injection pattern, then would be the time to switch to a longer-lasting product,” says Dr. Zeichner.

“In the U.S., the other brands of botulinum toxin A are Xeomin from Merz in Germany, Dysport from Galderma in Sweden, Jeuveau from Evolus in the U.S., and Letybo from Hugel in South Korea. All are botulinum toxin A, and all act similarly,” says David Goldberg, MD, director of cosmetic dermatology and clinical research at the Schweiger Dermatology Group in New Jersey. However, there are some differences. “Botox has been around the longest and is the most used neurotoxin. It has the highest number of clinical uses approved by the FDA. Botox can be used for cosmetic purposes and to treat migraines, jaw joint pain, and excessive sweating,” says Gigon. “Other neurotoxins have similar effects to Botox and Daxxify, but they may spread more through the injection site. Other injectables’ effects may not last as long as Daxxify,” she adds. Here are the key differences among these brands: