Varithena (polidocanol)
Generic name:laureth-9 (polidocanol) [ LAWR-eth-9 ]
Brand names: Asclera, Varithena
Drug class:Sclerosing agents
What is Varithena?
Varithena is a sclerosing (skler-OH-sing) agent. It works by increasing the formation of blood clots and scar tissue inside certain types of veins. This helps decrease dilation of enlarged veins.
Varithena is used to treat small uncomplicated spider veins and varicose veins in the legs. This medicine will not treat varicose veins that are larger than 3 millimeters (about one-eighth of an inch) in diameter.
Varithena is not a cure for varicose veins and the effects of this medication may not be permanent.
Varithena may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not receive this medication if you have a blood clot disorder such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), swelling of a vein caused by a blood clot, or Buerger's disease.
Before taking this medicine
You should not receive Varithena if you are allergic to Varithena, lauromacrogol 400, or polidocanol, or if you have:
a blood clot disorder such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or thrombophlebitis (swelling of a vein caused by a blood clot); or
Buerger's disease (a blood clotting disorder affecting the arms and legs).
To make sure Varithena is safe for you, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions or allergies.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Varithena will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while receiving this medicine.
It is not known whether laureth-9 passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using laureth-9.
How is Varithena given?
Varithena is injected with a small needle directly into a varicose or spider vein. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting.
The number of injections you receive will depend on the number of spider or varicose veins being treated.
Varithena must be injected slowly into the vein. Your caregivers will apply slight pressure to the vein during an injection.
Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when Varithena is injected. You will be watched closely after your injection, to make sure this medication is not causing h...
