Side Effects of Botox Bladder Injections

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The use of Botox bladder injections is still being tested, but so far any side effects resulting from the injections have been both uncommon and fairly minor. A very small number of patients will develop a urinary tract infection, which can be treated within a week by a course of antibiotics. Some people will also experience discomfort when passing urine for 48 hours following the operation, and you may find traces of blood in your urine. Both of these side-effects should disappear after a few days.

Other side effects can include headaches, fever, light-headedness, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. In some cases, the procedure can result in problems with emptying the bladder fully, which can last for some weeks. In these cases, it is possible to manage this problem by use of a catheter, and this procedure should be taught to the patient before undergoing the operation. It is estimated that less than one patient in 1000 may develop a rash or experience weakness in both arms.

As the procedure is still relatively new, there is little information available concerning long-term side effects. However, Botox has been used in other medical procedures for over 20 years, and no serious long-term side effects have yet been reported.