Varithena (polidocanol)

Varithena is a sclerosing (skler-OH-sing) agent. It helps by promoting the formation of blood clots and scar tissue within certain types of veins. This reduces the swelling 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 last permanently.

Varithena may also be used for purposes not mentioned in this medication guide.

You should not take this medication if you have a blood clot disorder like deep vein thrombosis (DVT), swelling of a vein due to a blood clot, or Buerger's disease.

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 ensure 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.

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

Tell your caregivers right away if you have a serious side effect such as:

• severe pain, burning, or other irritation in your leg;
• discoloration or skin changes where an injection was given;
• sudden severe headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
• pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one or both legs;
• severe numbness that does not go away;
• trouble breathing, pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest; or
• confusion, feeling like you might pass out.

Common side effects of Varithena may include:

• mild numbness or tingling;
• mild headache, dizziness;
• increased hair growth on the treated leg; or
• mild pain or warmth, mild itching, or slight bruising where an injection was given.

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.

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 harmful effects.

After the needle is removed from the vein, a compression bandage or stocking will be placed on the leg to prevent blood clots from forming.

When your treatment session is finished, your caregivers may want you to walk around for 15 or 20 minutes. Your doctor may instruct you to take daily walks for a few days after your treatment with Varithena.

You may need to wear compression stockings for several days or weeks after your treatment. Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about caring for yourself after receiving this medication.

You may need additional treatment sessions with Varithena to best treat the varicose vein. At least 1 week should pass between treatment sessions.

Because you will get Varithena in a clinical setting, it is unlikely that you will miss a dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

An overdose may cause severe skin reactions, including burning, discoloration, or tissue damage at the injection site.

Avoid heavy or strenuous exercise for 2 or 3 days after your treatment. Also, avoid sitting for long periods, like during long-distance travel in a car or on an airplane.

Additionally, avoid exposure to sunlight, tanning beds, hot tubs, or saunas for 2 or 3 days after your treatment.

Do not use ice or a heating pad on your treated leg without your doctor's advice.

It is not likely that other drugs you take by mouth or inject will affect Varithena when used to treat varicose veins. However, many drugs can interact with each other. Inform your doctor about all the medicines you are using. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without informing your doctor.