Bladder BOTOX® is a prescription medication injected into the bladder muscle to treat symptoms of Overactive Bladder (OAB). It helps reduce:
Urge urinary incontinence (leaking or accidents)
A sudden, strong urge to urinate
Frequent urination throughout the day
It is typically used when other medications (such as anticholinergics) are not effective or not well tolerated.
2. How does Bladder BOTOX® work?
Bladder BOTOX® calms the overactive bladder muscle by blocking the nerve signals that cause it to contract too often. This helps:
Reduce leakage episodes
Delay the urgent need to urinate
Lower the number of daily bathroom visits
3. Who is a candidate for Bladder BOTOX®?
Bladder BOTOX® is approved for adults 18 and older who:
Have Overactive Bladder (OAB)
Have tried other medications without success or experienced side effects A urologist can evaluate if this treatment is right for you.
4. What happens before a Bladder BOTOX® treatment?
Before your first treatment:
Your urologist will explain the procedure and expected results
You may be instructed to stop certain medications (e.g., aspirin or blood thinners) 3 days prior
You’ll be prescribed antibiotics to start 1–3 days before the procedure to prevent infection
5. What should I expect during the procedure?
On the day of your appointment:
You’ll be tested to ensure there’s no urinary tract infection (UTI)
Anesthesia options may include local, regional, general, or none
Your doctor will insert a scope into the bladder and make small injections into the bladder wall
The procedure usually takes about 1 hour and is done in-office or in a hospital setting. Most patients need treatment only twice per year.
6. What is the recovery like after treatment?
After the procedure:
You may resume normal activities and diet
Continue taking any prescribed antibiotics
You may experience mild burning during urination or light blood in the urine, which should resolve quickly
If symptoms persist, contact your doctor.
7. How soon will I see results and how long do they last?
In clinical trials, patients noticed improvement in leakage episodes within 2 weeks, with maximum benefit by 12 weeks. A single treatment can last 4 to 6 months. Your doctor will help schedule future treatments based on your individual response.
8. Are there any risks or side effects?
Yes. While most patients tolerate Bladder BOTOX® well, potential serious side effects include:
Difficulty swallowing, speaking, or breathing
Muscle weakness or symptoms that affect other areas of the body (rare but serious)
Urinary retention (inability to empty the bladder fully)
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience trouble breathing, speaking, or swallowing, or sudden weakness after your injection.
