Is botox for hyperhidrosis covered by ohip? An important question that people with excessive sweating ask themselves, especially those who suffer from primary hyperhidrosis. If you have struggled with this condition and have had no success using over-the-counter antiperspirants or prescription medications then you may be wondering if Botox is an option for you. In this article, we will discuss whether or not it is covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (Ohip).
Botox® treatments for Hyperhidrosis are not covered by OHIP, however private insurance may cover all or a portion of the treatment (the drug itself). For your insurance company to approve Botox®, you need to have tried other treatments for hyperhidrosis first. There is an injection fee of $250 + tax.
Read on to learn more about Is Botox For Hyperhidrosis Covered By Ohip, Types of Hyperhidrosis and Where Is Botox Used On The Body To Treat Weating?
Is Botox For Hyperhidrosis Covered By Ohip
Botox is a neurotoxin made from the microbes that cause botulism (a kind of food poisoning). But don’t worry, it’s safe if used appropriately by a medical professional. Botox is most well known as a cosmetic treatment to smooth facial wrinkles by temporarily paralyzing muscles. Doctors also use Botox to treat neuromuscular conditions like migraine, muscle spasms, and hyperhidrosis, a condition characterized by abnormal and excessive sweating.
You may be a candidate for Botox if your sweating fails to improve with prescription antiperspirants. Botox has been FDA-approved for people who sweat excessively from their armpits. It may also be used “off-label” to reduce sweating in other areas, such as the hands, feet, and face.
Hyperhidrosis is the medical term for excessive sweating. Normally, the body produces sweat to regulate body temperature. Sometimes, the nerves that control the sweat glands become overactive and excess sweat is produced. It can have a significant impact on self-confidence and can affect your quality of life. Botox® blocks the communication between nerves and sweat glands.
Is this treatment covered by OHIP or my drug plan?
Your assessment of excess sweating or hyperhidrosis is covered by OHIP. The BOTOX® medication is typically covered by the majority of private drug plans, and an additional injection fee is charged to the patient for performing the procedure. Because of its impressive effectiveness, many patients without drug plans still choose to have treatments with Botox®. Toronto Dermatology Centre can answer any questions you have about cost, safety, and effectiveness during your initial consultation.
Interestingly, Botox® has also been used on and off label for many other conditions. At our Toronto clinic, we have successfully and safely used Botox® for: Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), Raynaud disease and Raynaud syndrome, Migraine and tension headaches, Temperomandibular Joing (TMJ) pain, and Bruxism (teeth grinding). Botox® has also been used in other medical specialties for such conditions as: cerebral palsy and club foot in children, bladder dysfunction, spasticity, blepharospasm, and many other medical conditions safely and effectively for many years now.
Types of Hyperhidrosis
There are two types of hyperhidrosis: primary focal hyperhidrosis, and secondary generalized hyperhidrosis.
Primary focal hyperhidrosis
Primary focal hyperhidrosis (PFH) is excessive sweating not caused by another medical condition, or a side effect of medication.
A person with PFH typically experiences symmetrical sweating on specific areas of the body. For example, they may experience excessive sweating of both hands or feet.
In PFH, excessive sweating occurs at least once a week.
Secondary generalized hyperhidrosis
Secondary generalized hyperhidrosis (SGH) is when a medical condition or side effect of medication causes excessive sweating.
People with SGH tend to sweat across large sections of their body. They may also sweat while sleeping.
A person with SGH symptoms should see a doctor to determine the cause.
When to see a doctor
In some cases, it may be possible to control sweating with a strong antiperspirant. A person can ask a pharmacist for advice on the best products to use.
Sometimes, over-the-counter treatments may not be effective. People should see a doctor if they experience:
- symptoms of SGH
- excessive sweating around the groin or feet, which can lead to bacterial or fungal infections
- embarrassment, and avoidance of activities that may increase sweating, such as physical activity or going out in hot weather
Where Is Botox Used On The Body To Treat Weating?
Currently, Botox has only been approved for the treatment of underarm sweating. StudiesTrusted Source have found varying results, but there’s ample evidence that Botox can reduce armpit sweat production by more than 50 percent for at least 6 months.
Doctors use it “off-label” to treat other areas of the body.
- Palms. A limited amount of research has investigated the effectiveness of Botox for palm sweating. StudiesTrusted Source have found that Botox may reduce sweating by roughly 25 to 50 percent for 3 weeks to 6 months.
- Face. A very limited amount of researchTrusted Source has found that Botox may help treat facial sweating. Studies have found Botox could reduce facial sweating for 5 to 6 months with the most common side effect being paralysis of muscles in the forehead.
- Soles of feet. Botox may help control sweating on the soles of the feet, however few studies have been done. In a small 2018 studyTrusted Source, 73 percent of a group of people ages 12 to 17 were satisfied with their results.