Medications and Vein Treatment: What you Need to Know

Q: Will a patient need to be taken off any regular medication prior to receiving vein treatment?

Prior to receiving vein treatments in our clinics, you may take any medications that are part of your normal routine. Blood thinning medications including Aspirin, Plavix, Aggrenox, Coumadin, Pradaxa, to name a few, are all okay to continue. Blood thinning medications should not affect the success of your treatments. Taking blood thinning medications during vein treatment may result in more transient bruising but will provide a protective benefit against developing blood clots after vein treatment. When taking stronger blood thinners like Coumadin, your physician may choose to treat varicose veins utilizing foam sclerotherapy injection techniques as an alternative to ambulatory microphlebectomies. Of note, some medications used during treatments including Lidocaine, Polidocanol and Sotradecol can cause allergic reactions or react with other medications. For example, Polidocanol, a FDA approved sclerosant agent, contains ethyl alcohol as an emulsifier and can cause reactions in individuals taking Antabuse (disulfiram). It is always wise to let your doctor know all medications and supplements you are taking prior to starting any medical or surgical treatment.