Varithena Side Effects

Generic name: polidocanol

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 26, 2025.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Varithena.

Applies to polidocanol: intravenous foam, intravenous solution Side Effects associated with polidocanol. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Varithena.

Applies to polidocanol: intravenous foam, intravenous solution.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to receive it. Blood tests will be needed to check for unwanted effects.

This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Call your doctor or nurse right away if you have a rash, itching, hoarseness, trouble with breathing or swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth after receiving this medicine.

Wear compression stockings or a support hose on the treated leg(s) continuously for 2 to 3 days or for 5 to 7 days, and for 2 to 3 weeks during daytime. This would help prevent formation of blood clots.

It is recommended that you walk for 10 to 20 minutes for Varithena® or 15 to 20 minutes for Asclera® immediately after the treatment and daily for the next few days, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

This medicine may cause a permanent depression (necrosis) under the skin at the injection site. Contact your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects at the injection site: depressed or indented skin, blue-green to black skin discoloration, or pain, redness, or sloughing (peeling) of the skin.

This medicine may increase your risk of having blood clots in the brain, heart, blood vessels, or lungs, which may lead to stroke, heart attack, deep vein thrombosis, or pulmonary embolism. Check with your doctor right away if you have difficulty with speaking, slow speech, inability to speak, inability to move the arms, legs, or facial muscles, chest pain or discomfort, pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck, pain, redness, or swelling in the arm or leg, trouble breathing, or dizziness or lightheadedness.

Avoid heavy exercise, sunbathing, long plane flights, and hot baths or saunas for 2 to 3 days for Asclera® or 1 week for Varithena® after you receive this medicine. Do not spend long periods of time being inactive (including long car rides) for 1 month after Varithena® treatment.

Serious side effects of Varithena

Along with its needed effects, polidocanol (the active ingredient contained in Varithena) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking polidocanol:

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking polidocanol:

Symptoms of overdose

• break in the skin, especially associated with blue-black discoloration, swelling, or drainage of fluid

Other side effects of Varithena

Some side effects of polidocanol may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to polidocanol: injectable foam, injectable kit, injectable solution.

Local adverse events

• Very common (10% or more): Injection site hematoma (up to 42%), injection site irritation (up to 41%), injection site discoloration (up to 38%), injection site pain (up to 24%), injection site pruritus (up to 19%), injection site warmth (up to 16%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Injection site thrombosis (local intravaricose blood clots)
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Injection site necrosis, induration, swelling^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Anaphylactic shock^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Asthma attack, dyspnea, chest discomfort, cough^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Neovascularization, hematoma
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Thrombophlebitis superficial, phlebitis
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Deep vein thrombosis
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Cerebrovascular accident, migraine, pulmonary embolism, syncope vasovagal, circulatory collapse, vasculitis, blood pressure abnormal, heart rate abnormal (tachycardia, bradycardia)
• Frequency not reported: Cardiac arrest, palpitations, hot flush^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Nerve injury
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Headache, paresthesia (local), loss of consciousness, confusional state, dizziness, aphasia, ataxia, hemiparesis, hypoesthesia oral
• Frequency not reported: Migraine^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Rash, ecchymosis, skin hyperpigmentation
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Allergic dermatitis, skin reaction, erythema
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Angioedema, generalized urticaria, hypertrichosis (in the area of sclerotherapy)^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): dysgeusia, nausea, vomiting^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Very common (10% or more): Pain in extremity (up to 65%), limb discomfort (up to 32%)^[Ref]

Other

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Pyrexia, asthenia, malaise^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Varithena side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer