Consensus statement regarding storage and reuse of previously reconstituted neuromodulators

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Aesthetic Medicine
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Traditional recommendations advise using reconstituted botulinum toxin (BTX) within 24 hours and in a single patient.
• Current clinical practice often involves storing reconstituted BTX and using single vials for multiple patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish expert consensus on the safety and efficacy of storing and reusing reconstituted botulinum toxin.
• To evaluate the practice of extending the use of botulinum toxin beyond initial recommendations.

Main Methods:

• A task force of experts convened by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery reviewed existing literature.
• A consensus-building Delphi process was employed, followed by peer review for validation.

Main Results:

• Unanimous expert consensus confirmed that appropriately reconstituted botulinum toxin (BTX) can be refrigerated or refrozen for at least 4 weeks.
• No significant decrease in effectiveness or increased risk of contamination was found with extended storage.
• Vials can be safely used for multiple patients, provided appropriate handling techniques are maintained.

Conclusions:

• The current standard of care, allowing for botulinum toxin (BTX) use beyond 24 hours post-reconstitution and across multiple patients, is deemed appropriate.
• This practice aligns with safe and effective medical treatment protocols for botulinum toxin injections.