Ethamolin

Ethamolin is a sclerosing (skler-OS-ing) agent used to treat esophageal varices (dilated blood vessels in the tissues lining the esophagus or upper part of the stomach). Esophageal varices is a serious condition that can cause severe bleeding from the esophagus into the throat or intestines.

Esophageal varices are common in people with severe liver disease. Ethamolin will not treat any underlying liver disease.

Ethamolin is only for treating esophageal varices that have recently bled. Ethamolin is not for treating varicose veins in the legs.

Ethamolin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Use only as directed. Inform your doctor if you are taking other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

You should not use Ethamolin if you are allergic to Ethamolin or oleic acid (oleo).

If possible during an emergency, tell your medical caregivers if you've ever had:

• kidney disease;
• heart disease; or
• lung disease.

If possible during an emergency, tell your medical caregivers if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Make sure any doctor caring for your pregnancy or your baby knows you have received this medication.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your medical caregivers right away if you have:

• fever, chills, cough with yellow or green mucus;
• chest pain, feeling short of breath;
• severe pain or burning in your upper stomach; or
• fluid build-up in or around the lungs--pain when you breathe, feeling short of breath while lying down, wheezing, gasping for breath, cough with foamy mucus, cold and clammy skin, anxiety, rapid heartbeats.

Common side effects of Ethamolin may include:

• low fever; or
• trouble swallowing.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Ethamolin is injected into a vein by a healthcare provider in an emergency setting.

Ethamolin is usually given during a bleeding episode and again at 1 week, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months afterward.

Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis.

In a medical setting, you are unlikely to miss a dose.

In a medical setting, an overdose would be treated promptly.

Follow your doctor's instructions regarding any limits on food, drinks, or activities.

Other drugs may impact Ethamolin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about all other medicines you are using.