Storing Botox® in fridge for four weeks not associated with growth of bacteria, says study

Storing vials of reconstituted Botox® for four weeks was not associated with detectable growth of bacteria or fungi, according to recently published study findings.

During the study, 108 patients underwent injections of Allergan’s Botox® from 88 100-unit vials, administered aseptically, for essential blepharospasm, hemifacial spasm or facial rejuvenation. Vials with remaining product were then stored in a refrigerator for four weeks.

Contents were then transferred to various media and tested for bacterial and/or fungal growth using standard procedures. No detectable bacterial or fungal contamination was found via any of the testing methods used. Although the researchers do not recommend utilising reconstituted Botox® beyond the 24-hour period indicated by the manufacturer, they noted many physicians polled in the past have reported storing the toxin for one week or longer.