WEDNESDAY, March 31 (HealthDay News) — Polidocanol (Asclera) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat small varicose veins, the agency said in a news release.
Varicose veins are swollen or twisted blood vessels that most often form in the legs. They are more likely to develop in pregnant women, obese people and those who must stand for long periods. Advancing age and family history also may make them more likely to form, the FDA said.
Asclera is sanctioned to improve the appearance of varicose veins that are 1 millimeter or less in diameter. The most frequent reactions to the drug reported during clinical testing included blood pooling from affected veins, bruising, irritation, discoloration and injection-site pain.
The drug is distributed by Wisconsin-based BioForm Medical Inc., and is produced by the German firm Chemische Fabrik Kreussler & Co.
More information
To learn more about varicose veins, visit the U.S. National Library of Medicine.