A double-blind, randomized, comparative study of two type A botulinum toxins in the treatment of primary axillary hyperhidrosis.

BACKGROUND Botulinum toxin (BTX) is an effective treatment for primary axillary hyperhidrosis. In this study we used two toxins not bioequivalent: BOTOX (Allergan, Inc.) and Dysport (Beaufour Ipsen Biotech). OBJECTIVE The objective was to compare the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of BOTOX and Dysport in the treatment of primary axillary hyperhidrosis using a conversion factor of 1:3, respectively. METHODS In a double-blind, randomized prospective study, 10 patients with primary axillary hyperhidrosis and sweat production exceeding 50 mg/minute received 50 U of BOTOX in one axilla and 150 U of Dysport in the other. We performed Minor's test and gravimetry at 0 days, at 15 days, and monthly for 1 year. RESULTS No significant difference was observed in the sweating quantity at baseline. After 1 month all patients had achieved success for both axillae. The sweat rate was reduced by a mean of 97.7% for BOTOX and 99.4% for Dysport, without statistical difference. The duration of benefits was similar between both toxins, with a mean of 260 days for BOTOX and 290 days for Dysport, without statistical difference. The longest symptom-free interval was 12 months (5 patients, 55.6%). CONCLUSIONS BOTOX and Dysport presented similar levels of safety and efficacy in the treatment of primary axillary hyperhidrosis when a conversion factor of 1:3 was used.