Botox OK for incontinence

The Food and Drug Administration has approved Botox (botulinum toxin type A) for the treatment of urinary incontinence in patients with neurologic conditions such as spinal cord injury and overactive bladder.

In a trial of 691 people, patients who received the injections saw a statistically significant reduction in the weekly frequency of incontinence compared to placebo.

Injecting Botox — performed using cystoscopy — helps to relax the bladder and increases its storage capacity, according to the FDA. The procedure might require general anesthesia. Therapeutic effects of the drug can last up to nine months.