Sodium tetradecyl sulfate

Sodium tetradecyl sulfate is a sclerosing (skler-OH-sing) agent. It works by promoting the formation of blood clots and scar tissue inside certain types of veins. This helps reduce the enlargement of swollen veins.

Sodium tetradecyl sulfate is used to treat small uncomplicated varicose veins in the legs.

Sodium tetradecyl sulfate is not a cure for varicose veins and the effects of this medication may not last forever.

Sodium tetradecyl sulfate may also be used for other purposes not mentioned in this medication guide.

Sodium tetradecyl sulfate is injected into a vein using an IV. A healthcare provider will administer this injection.

You will be monitored closely for several hours after your injection to ensure that this medication does not cause any harmful effects.

Inform your caregivers if you experience any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle during the injection.

You might need to wear compression stockings for several days or weeks after your treatment. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully regarding your self-care after receiving this medication.

You should not receive sodium tetradecyl sulfate if you are bedridden due to serious illness, or if you have a blood clot, a bleeding disorder, allergies, cancer, severe blood infection, or any untreated or uncontrolled disease.

You should not receive sodium tetradecyl sulfate if you are allergic to it, 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);
• Buerger's disease (a blood clotting disorder affecting the arms and legs);
• allergies;
• cancer;
• a severe infection of your blood (sepsis);
• any untreated or uncontrolled disease such as diabetes, overactive thyroid, tuberculosis, asthma, blood cell disorder, or skin disease; or
• if you are bed-ridden due to severe illness.

Sodium tetradecyl sulfate should not be used to treat varicose veins that are caused by a tumor in your stomach or pelvis area, unless the tumor has been surgically removed.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether sodium tetradecyl sulfate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; sneezing, runny nose, difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Sodium tetradecyl sulfate may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you experience:

• pain or swelling in one or both legs;
• chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, fast heart rate; or
• pain, itching, peeling, skin sores, or skin changes where the medicine was injected.

Common side effects of sodium tetradecyl sulfate may include:

• mild headache;
• nausea, vomiting; or
• discolored skin along the treated vein (may be permanent).

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.

Usual Adult Dose for Varicose Vein:

Initial dose: 0.5 mL to 2 mL for each injection, with a preferred 1 mL maximum per injection and 10 mL maximum per treatment session. The dosage should be kept as small as possible.

Because you will receive sodium tetradecyl sulfate in a clinical setting, it is unlikely that you will miss a dose.

Since sodium tetradecyl sulfate is administered by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, the chances of an overdose are low.

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

Tell your doctor if you are taking birth control pills or other medications that stop or prevent ovulation (ovaries releasing eggs).

Other drugs may interact with sodium tetradecyl sulfate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform each of your health care providers about all medicines you are currently using and any medicine you begin or stop using.