Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Asclera

Generic Name: laureth-9 (polidocanol) (Pronunciation: LAWR eth-9 (pol i DOE ka nol))

• What is laureth-9 (Asclera)?
• What are the possible side effects of laureth-9 (Asclera)?
• What is the most important information I should know about laureth-9 (Asclera)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking laureth-9 (Asclera)?
• How is laureth-9 given (Asclera)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Asclera)?
• What happens if I overdose (Asclera)?
• What should I avoid after receiving laureth-9 (Asclera)?
• What other drugs will affect laureth-9 (Asclera)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is laureth-9 (Asclera)?

Laureth-9 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.

Laureth-9 is used to treat small uncomplicated spider veins and varicose veins in the legs. Laureth-9 will not treat varicose veins that are larger than 3 millimeters (about one-eighth of an inch) in diameter.

Laureth-9 is not a cure for varicose veins and the effects of this medication may not be permanent.

Laureth-9 may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of laureth-9 (Asclera)?

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.

Tell your caregivers at once 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;
• severe numbness that does not go away;
• pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one or both legs;
• trouble breathing, pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest; or
• confusion, feeling like you might pass out.

Less serious side effects 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.

What is the most important information I should know about laureth-9 (Asclera)?

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to laureth-9, lauromacrogol 400, or polidocanol, or 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 you receive laureth-9, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions or allergies.

Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when laureth-9 is injected. You will be watched closely after your injection, to make sure this medication is not causing harmful effects.

Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about caring for yourself after receiving this medication.

For 2 or 3 days after your treatment: Avoid exposure to sunlight, tanning beds, hot tubs, or saunas. Do not use ice or a heating pad on your treated leg without your doctor's advice.

Also avoid heavy or strenuous exercise, or sitting for long periods of time, such as long-distance travel in a car or on an airplane.

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