Polidocanol
Generic name: Polidocanol [ pol-i-DOE-kuh-nol ]
Brand names: Asclera, Varithena
Drug class: Sclerosing agents
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 7, 2024.
Uses of Polidocanol:
- It is used to treat varicose veins.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Polidocanol?
- If you are allergic to polidocanol; any part of polidocanol; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
- If you have blood clots.
- If you are breast-feeding. Do not breast-feed after getting polidocanol for as long as your doctor has told you.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with polidocanol.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take polidocanol with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Polidocanol?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take polidocanol. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- You may need to avoid things like sunbathing, hot baths, and saunas. Talk with your doctor.
- Very bad and sometimes deadly allergic side effects have rarely happened. Talk with your doctor.
- Blood clots have happened with polidocanol. Tell your doctor if you have ever had a blood clot. Talk with your doctor.
- Heart attacks and strokes have happened with polidocanol. In these cases, this may have had to do with how polidocanol was given. If you have questions, talk with your doctor.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using polidocanol while you are pregnant.
How is this medicine (Polidocanol) best taken?
Use polidocanol as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- It is given as a shot into a vein.
- After treatment, keep bandages dry and in place for as long as you have been told by the doctor.
- After treatment, you will need to wear compression stockings on the treated legs and walk around every day for some time. You will also need to avoid heavy exercise and avoid long amounts of time not doing anything for some time. Closely follow what the doctor has told you.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Call your doctor to find out what to do.
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What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Weakness on 1 side of the body, trouble speaking or thinking, change in balance, drooping on one side of the face, or blurred eyesight.
- Call your doctor right away if you have signs of a blood clot like chest pain or pressure; coughing up blood; shortness of breath; swelling, warmth, numbness, change of color, or pain in a leg or arm; or trouble speaking or swallowing.
- This medicine may cause tissue damage if the drug leaks from the vein. Tell your nurse if you have any redness, burning, pain, swelling, blisters, skin sores, or leaking of fluid where the drug is going into your body.
What are some other side effects of Polidocanol?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Bruising.
- Pain and irritation where polidocanol goes into the body.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
How do I store and/or throw out Polidocanol?
- If you need to store polidocanol at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about polidocanol, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
More about polidocanol
- Compare alternatives
- Reviews (3)
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: sclerosing agents
- En español
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