Asclera

Generic name:laureth-9 (polidocanol) [ LAWR-eth-9 ]
Brand names: Asclera, Varithena
Drug class:Sclerosing agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 18, 2021.

What is Asclera?

Asclera is a sclerosing 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.

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

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

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

Warnings

You should not receive Asclera 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 Asclera, 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 Asclera 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 Asclera.

For 2 or 3 days after your treatment with Asclera: 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.

Before receiving this medicine

You should not receive Asclera 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) 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 you can safely receive Asclera, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions or allergies.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Asclera will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while receiving Asclera. 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 Asclera.

How is Asclera given?

Asclera is injected with a small needle directly into a vari...