Botulinum toxin injections were the most common non-invasive cosmetic surgical procedure in 2020, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons [1]. They are medications commonly used to reduce wrinkles.
Botox is perhaps the most well-known of these wrinkle-reduction treatments [2]. Since its introduction to the cosmetics market in 2002, “Botox” has become so well-known that it is nearly synonymous with the medication class [3]. In recent years, however, more botulinum toxin injection brands have emerged. Jeuveau was FDA-approved in 2019 and is the most recent to hit the market [4].
How does this market newcomer compare with the original? Continue reading to learn more about the similarities and differences between Botox and Jeuveau.
Table of Contents
What is Botox?
Botox is an injectable drug composed of botulinum toxin [5]. This chemical is produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. This is the same toxin that causes botulism, a rare but potentially fatal infection affecting nerves and muscles. However, when administered in small doses and to specific body areas, the toxin can serve both cosmetic and medical functions [6].
Botox Cosmetic is the most well-known formulation (onabotulinumtoxinA). In 2002, the FDA authorized its use to reduce wrinkles. However, there is a longer-established medical version of Botox that can treat a variety of health conditions. This includes chronic headaches, overactive bladder, and excessive perspiration.
What is Jeuveau?
Jeuveau (prabotulismtoxinA) is another botulinum toxin-based injectable medication. In 2019, the FDA approved it to reduce the appearance of frown lines. Jeuveau, also known as “Newtox,” is the most recent wrinkle relaxer to hit the market.
Botox vs Jeuveau: How do They work for treating wrinkles?
Botox Cosmetic and Jeuveau combat wrinkles in the same manner. They are injected into specific facial muscles, temporarily blocking nerves and preventing muscles from contracting [2]. This reduces existing wrinkles and prevents the formation of new ones.
Jeuveau vs Botox: Differences
Jeuveau and Botox Cosmetic share several similarities, but there are also some distinctions. The primary differences relate to the types of wrinkles they treat and their manufacturing processes. Cost also plays a role. Let’s dive in.
Jeuveau vs Botox benefits
Jeuveau and Botox Cosmetic can both be used by adults over the age of 18. Botox Cosmetic, however, is approved for a greater variety of cosmetic conditions than Jeuveau.
Botox Cosmetic can be used to reduce forehead lines, crow’s feet lines, and frown lines between the eyebrows. Jeuveau is only authorized for the treatment of frown lines between the eyebrows.
As previously stated, Botox is also authorized to treat various medical conditions. This includes chronic headaches, an overactive bladder, and profuse sweating. Jeuveau is only authorized for cosmetic use and cannot treat these medical conditions.
Jeuveau vs Botox: Effectiveness
There are no studies that directly compare Jeuveau and Botox Cosmetic at this time. Therefore, it is difficult to determine which method is more effective. However, both injections appear to be more effective at reducing wrinkles than a placebo injection, which contains no medication.
In two studies that contributed to the FDA’s approval of Botox Cosmetic, researchers examined the effects of Botox Cosmetic on frown lines after 30 days. About 80% of individuals who received Botox Cosmetic experienced a reduction in frown lines, compared to only 3% of individuals who received a placebo [7].
Another study evaluated the effectiveness of Jeuveau for frown lines after 30 days. According to the data, up to 70% of Jeuveau recipients experienced a reduction in frown lines, compared to less than 1% of placebo recipients [8].
Jeuveau vs Botox: How fast do they work?
The majority of individuals noticed a change in their appearance one to two days after receiving Jeuveau or Botox Cosmetic injections [9,10]. However, it may take longer to experience the full benefits. Jeuveau and Botox Cosmetic typically produce results that last between three and four months, but this varies from person to person [11]. Each medication should not be administered more frequently than once every three months.
Jeuveau vs Botox side effects
Jeuveau and Botox Cosmetic injections are generally well-tolerated when administered properly. Some individuals do experience some side effects, but these vary depending on where the injection is administered.
In clinical trials, frequent Botox Cosmetic side effects included headaches, eyelid drooping, and brow drooping. People also reported injection-site side effects such as pain, swelling, and bruising [12]. Side effects are similar for Jeuveau [13].
Jeuveau vs Botox: Serious risks
Extremely rarely, Jeuveau and Botox Cosmetic injections can spread beyond the injection sites [13]. This can result in severe side effects such as double vision, dry eyes, difficulty swallowing or breathing, and double vision.
If you are receiving a botulinum toxin injection for cosmetic purposes, you must visit a licensed provider and clinic. Misuse or improper administration of Botox Cosmetic and Jeuveau can result in botulism, which can be fatal [14]. In addition, using contaminated or counterfeit products can result in subpar outcomes or other severe complications.
Jeuveau vs Botox cost
In general, Jeuveau and Botox Cosmetic have comparable list prices. According to some data, Botox typically costs between $10 and $15 per unit. Jeuveau may be as low as $8 per unit [15].
However, it is difficult to compare the prices of Jeuveau and Botox Cosmetic injections directly. Costs can vary for each individual. It depends on which facial areas you wish to treat and how much medication you receive at once. The frequency of your injections also plays an important role in determining your costs.
Specific pricing also depends on the number of units received and the location where injections are administered. Botox Cosmetic, for example, is approved for multiple types of wrinkles, so you may receive 20 to 40 units per appointment [16]. Jeuveau is only authorized for frown lines, so you will typically receive 20 units per session [17].
Nonetheless, you can save money with manufacturer discount cards. You may be eligible to save $40 on Jeuveau with a manufacturer-issued discount card. The manufacturer of Botox provides a rewards program. Additionally, you can check with your local clinic to see if they are offering any promotions.
Is Jeuveau Better Than Botox?
Both Botox Cosmetic and Jeuveau are effective at reducing the appearance of wrinkles; however, Botox is approved to treat a wider variety of wrinkles than Jeuveau is.
A qualified medical professional should only give both medications in a hospital or other clinical setting because they can potentially cause mildly unpleasant side effects.
Although both injections contain the same active component, their formulations are slightly different from one another. The choice between Botox and Jeuveau may come down to a game of trial and error. Certain people react more positively to one of the two options than they do to the other.
On the other hand, Jeuveau could be a better choice for you if this is your first time getting botulinum toxin injections and you are searching for an option that is initially less expensive.
In addition, the method is proven to be the most successful in treating glabellar lines. Botox can be used to treat creases like these as well as other facial lines and wrinkles.
Can you use Jeuveau and Botox together?
In brief, no. Jeuveau and Botox Cosmetic should not be administered concurrently. Combining them can be dangerous and may result in severe side effects.
Neither should be substituted for the other. This is due to the fact that each product is manufactured by a distinct company utilizing its own specialized facilities and technology [18]. Botox is manufactured by Allergan in Ireland. Jeuveau is manufactured by Evolus and in South Korea.
Jeuveau and Botox Cosmetic use slightly different botulinum toxins; Botox Cosmetic uses onabotulinumtoxinA, and Jeuveau uses prabotulismtoxinA.
If you have any questions regarding the transition from Botox to Jeuveau, please contact your licensed provider.
Conclusion
Jeuveau and Botox Cosmetic are both effective at reducing the appearance of wrinkles; however, Botox is approved to treat a wider variety of wrinkles than Jeuveau. Both can cause mild side effects and should be administered by a trained healthcare professional in a medical setting. If you have any questions or concerns, it is recommended that you speak with your healthcare provider.
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.
Editorial References And Fact-Checking
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons Unveils COVID-19’s Impact and Pent-Up Patient Demand Fueling the Industry’s Current Post-Pandemic Boom. (n.d.). American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Retrieved January 15, 2023, from https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/press-releases/american-society-of-plastic-surgeons-unveils-covid19s-impact-and-pent-up-patient-demand-fueling-the-industrys-current-post-pandemic-boom
- Walker, T. J., & Dayan, S. H. (2014). Comparison and overview of currently available neurotoxins. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology, 7(2), 31–39.
- The Story Behind BOTOX® Cosmetic | BOTOX® Cosmetic. (n.d.). The Story Behind BOTOX® Cosmetic | BOTOX® Cosmetic. Retrieved January 15, 2023, from https://web.archive.org/web/20221114201846/https://www.botoxcosmetic.com/what-is-botox-cosmetic/celebrating-20-years-of-botox-cosmetic
- Drug Trials Snapshots: JEUVEAU. (2020, January 31). Drug Trials Snapshots: JEUVEAU | FDA. Retrieved January 15, 2023, from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-approvals-and-databases/drug-trials-snapshots-jeuveau
- About Botulism | Botulism | CDC. (2021, June 1). About Botulism | Botulism | CDC. Retrieved January 15, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/botulism/general.html
- Dermal Filler Do’s and Don’ts for Wrinkles, Lips and More. (2022, February 4). Dermal Filler Do’s and Don’ts for Wrinkles, Lips and More | FDA. Retrieved January 15, 2023, from https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/dermal-filler-dos-and-donts-wrinkles-lips-and-more
- DailyMed – BOTOX COSMETIC- onabotulinumtoxina injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution. (2021, February 9). DailyMed – BOTOX COSMETIC- Onabotulinumtoxina Injection, Powder, Lyophilized, for Solution. Retrieved January 15, 2023, from https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=485d9b71-6881-42c5-a620-a4360c7192ab
- Gadarowski, M. B., Ghamrawi, R. I., Taylor, S. L., & Feldman, S. R. (2021). PrabotulinumtoxinA-xvfs for the Treatment of Moderate-to-Severe Glabellar Lines. The Annals of pharmacotherapy, 55(3), 354–361. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32698599/
- How Does BOTOX® Cosmetic Work? | BOTOX® Cosmetic. (n.d.). How Does BOTOX® Cosmetic Work? | BOTOX® Cosmetic. Retrieved January 15, 2023, from https://www.botoxcosmetic.com/what-is-botox-cosmetic/how-botox-cosmetic-works
- FAQs – Jeuveau. (n.d.). FAQs – Jeuveau. Retrieved January 15, 2023, from https://jeuveau.evolus.com/faqs/
- Botulinum toxin therapy: FAQs. (n.d.). Botulinum Toxin Therapy: FAQs. Retrieved January 15, 2023, from https://www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/wrinkles/botulinum-toxin-faqs
- DailyMed – BOTOX COSMETIC- onabotulinumtoxina injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution. (2021, February 9). DailyMed – BOTOX COSMETIC- Onabotulinumtoxina Injection, Powder, Lyophilized, for Solution. Retrieved January 15, 2023, from https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=485d9b71-6881-42c5-a620-a4360c7192ab
- Witmanowski, H., & Błochowiak, K. (2020). The whole truth about botulinum toxin – a review. Postepy dermatologii i alergologii, 37(6), 853–861. https://doi.org/10.5114/ada.2019.82795
- Chertow DS, Tan ET, Maslanka SE, et al. Botulism in 4 Adults Following Cosmetic Injections With an Unlicensed, Highly Concentrated Botulinum Preparation. JAMA. 2006;296(20):2476–2479. doi:10.1001/jama.296.20.2476
- Jeuveau vs Botox – All You Need to Know | IAPAM. (2021, March 27). IAPAM. Retrieved January 15, 2023, from https://iapam.com/jeuveau-vs-botox