Sodium tetradecyl sulfate

Sodium tetradecyl sulfate

Sodium tetradecyl sulfate

What is sodium tetradecyl sulfate?

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 be permanent.

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

Side effects of sodium tetradecyl sulfate

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

Sodium tetradecyl sulfate can cause serious side effects. Call your doctor immediately if you have:

• pain or swelling in one or both legs;

• chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, fast heartbeat; or

• Pain, itching, peeling, skin sores or skin changes at the injection site.

Common side effects of sodium tetradecyl sulfate may include:

• mild headache;

• nausea, vomiting; or

• Discoloration of the 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 can report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

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

Before you take this medicine

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 that affects the arms and legs);

• allergies;

• Cancer;

• a serious infection of your blood (sepsis);

• any untreated or uncontrolled disease such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, tuberculosis, asthma, blood cell disorder or skin disease; or

• if you are bedridden due to a serious illness.

Sodium tetradecyl sulfate should not be used to treat varicose veins caused by a tumor in the stomach or pelvic 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 planning to become pregnant.

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

How is sodium tetradecyl sulfate administered?

Sodium tetradecyl sulfate is injected into a vein through an IV. A doctor will give you this injection.

After the injection, you will be closely monitored for several hours to make sure this medication does not cause any harmful effects.

Tell your healthcare provider if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when injecting the medicine.

You may need to wear compression stockings for several days or weeks after treatment. Carefully follow your doctor's instructions for self-care after taking this medication.

Sodium tetradecyl sulfate dosage information

Usual dose for adults for varicose veins:

Initial dose: 0.5 ml to 2 ml for each injection, preferably a maximum of 1 ml per injection and a maximum of 10 ml per treatment session. The dosage should be kept as low as possible.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Because you will receive sodium tetradecyl sulfate in a clinical setting, you are unlikely to miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Because sodium tetradecyl sulfate is administered by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, overdose is unlikely.

What should I avoid while taking sodium tetradecyl sulfate?

Follow your doctor's instructions regarding any food, drink, or activity restrictions.

What other drugs will affect sodium tetradecyl sulfate?

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

Other medications can interact with sodium tetradecyl sulfate, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medications you are taking now and any medications you are starting or stopping taking.

More information

Remember to keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medicine only for the prescribed indication.