How long does unused Botox last?

Author: Alaina Fisher  |  Last update: Saturday, November 22, 2025

Allergan recommends that unopened Botox vials be refrigerated between 2oC and 8oC for up to 36 months (if it's the 100U vial) and up to 24 months (if it's the 200U vial). However, the company also announced that the drug remains stable even after five days at room temperature.

How long will Botox last once mixed?

Botox is a temperature sensitive medical product that must be stored in a purpose built medical fridge to ensure potency and efficacy. Once reconstituted it can be refrigerated for up to four weeks or used within five hours if out of the fridge.

How long is unopened Botox good for?

On the other hand, unopened Botox has a shelf life of 24-36 months from the date of manufacture if it is stored at the right temperature.

What happens if you use expired Botox?

Answer: Expired injectable fillers are harmful Most likely they are not harmful. But it is a ethical question of using out of date fillers. The old 'what if' issue comes into play. If you had a reaction from out of date fillers then the doctor has preformed malpractice and has license issues.

How do you store leftover Botox?

According to the manufacturers´ recommendations, Botox® should be stored in a refrigerator (2°C– 8°C), or store in a freezer (-5°C to -20°C).

The Secret to Longer Lasting Botox

What happens if Botox isn't refrigerated?

If Botox is exposed to temperatures outside the recommended range, it could compromise the sterility of the product, increasing the risk of contamination or infection when administered.

Does Botox degrade over time?

Eventually, the action of the neurotoxin will wear off and the nerves will again be able to send those signals to the muscles to start working or contracting. In general, Botox lasts 3-4 months. There will certainly be patients in which in lasts longer, in that 4-6 month range, or shorter, in that 2-month range.

How do you know if Botox is bad?

After receiving Botox, it's important to monitor the results for signs of complications. Common indicators that Botox may have gone bad include drooping eyelids, uneven results, excessive bruising, or prolonged swelling beyond the expected recovery period.

How long does Botox last in the refrigerator?

A vial of botulinum toxin A, reconstituted in a clinically appropriate manner, can be refrigerated or refrozen for at least 4 weeks before injection without clinically significant risk for contamination or decreased effectiveness.

What is the best fridge to store Botox in?

Only an approved medical refrigerator such as Lec Medical's Pharmacy Plus range can provide the controlled temperature required to store botulinum toxin. A domestic fridge falls way below aesthetic industry standards and should never be used.

What is the lifespan of Botox?

As we've seen above, Botox results can last anywhere between three and four months. Ongoing treatments will help to prevent further wrinkles and lines from forming on your face while maintaining the appearance you had after your initial Botox procedure.

How do you know Botox has worn off?

How long does Botox last? Within three to six months after Botox therapy, toxins wear off and muscles regain movement. As a result, wrinkles return and issues like migraines and sweating may resume. To maintain results, you may choose to receive more Botox injections.

Does Botox lose its effectiveness?

Over time, the body metabolizes the Botox protein, leading to the return of muscle movement and making botox eventually stop working. The effects of Botox usually last around three to four months, but this can vary significantly from person to person.

What is the 4 hour rule after Botox?

Myth #1: You Can't Bend Over After Botox.

But here's the deal: while you should avoid lying down for about four hours post-treatment to prevent pressure on treated areas, bending over briefly is generally fine. It's more about avoiding excessive physical activity immediately after your session.

What happens if you freeze Botox?

BTX-A may be safely used after being reconstituted and frozen or refrozen without a significant loss of effectiveness or additional side effects. In our experience, the period of freezing was on 2 occasions for up to 8 weeks.

What causes Botox to fade faster?

Your lifestyle. The amount of physical activity you participate in is a factor that can affect BOTOX® results. Athletes may notice that their results from BOTOX® injections fade faster. This is because an athlete's metabolism runs at a much higher rate than more sedentary people.

Can you save unused Botox?

Allergan recommends that unopened Botox vials be refrigerated between 2oC and 8oC for up to 36 months (if it's the 100U vial) and up to 24 months (if it's the 200U vial). However, the company also announced that the drug remains stable even after five days at room temperature.

What is the shelf life of Botox once opened?

Conclusions. The potency of reconstituted Botox is not degraded by subsequent refrigeration for 4 weeks. However, there are definite concerns regarding its sterility, and hence its safety, since multiple withdrawals from the same vial over long periods can introduce bacterial contamination.

Does expired Botox work?

The use of subpar or outdated Botox might result in a weaker product that may not produce the intended benefits.

What can ruin Botox?

7 Things Not to Do After Botox
  • Rubbing Your Face. ...
  • Sun and Heat Exposure. ...
  • Intense Exercise. ...
  • Taking Blood Thinners. ...
  • Alcohol Consumption. ...
  • Washing Your Face With Soap. ...
  • Applying Topical Products.

Do you look older after Botox wears off?

The answer is simple: nothing much. When applied in the right doses and with a consistent schedule, missing a single session of Botox doesn't really make the face age all of a sudden. Even as the frozen neurotransmitters wear off, your body still needs to condition the frozen muscles and tissue to start moving again.

What are the red flags after Botox?

Call your health care provider right away if you have any of these symptoms hours or weeks after your procedure: Muscle weakness. Vision problems. Trouble talking or swallowing.

What do celebrities use instead of Botox?

Celebrities often pick alternatives like Dysport, Xeomin, and Juvederm. These fillers add volume or reduce wrinkles differently than Botox. They're popular for their varying effects and durations.

What helps Botox last longer?

How Can You Make Botox Last Longer?
  • Be Gentle With Your Face for Two Days. ...
  • Sleep On Your Back. ...
  • Exercise the Treated Muscles. ...
  • Schedule Regular Injection Sessions. ...
  • Seek Treatment From a Reputable Provider. ...
  • Don't Exercise Immediately After Treatment. ...
  • Limit UV Exposure. ...
  • Get a Good Workout In.

What is the biggest risk of Botox?

Serious adverse effects after cosmetic use of botulinum toxin include dysphagia, muscle weakness, and allergic reactions [22, 23].

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