Asclera is delivered via a procedure known as sclerotherapy, in which the provider places a needle into the affected veins and administers the drug. The procedure in question is usually comprised of the following steps:
- Preparation: The skin surrounding the targeted vein is disinfected and a preparation is often made on the skin. In some cases a local anesthetic is applied to reduce discomfort.
- Injection: With the use of an ultra-fine needle, a small volume of Asclera is injected into the varicose or spider vein by the physician.
- Compression: A bandage or a compression stocking is often applied to the treated vein once this therapy has been done in order to keep the vein in closure and also to prevent the occurrence of a blood clot.
- Post-Treatment Care: Patients are generally encouraged to ambulate after the procedure to enhance blood circulation. In some cases, compression stockings are recommended for a few days post treatment to assist with the vein’s healing process and the associated swelling.
Asclera is used in sclerotherapy, which is a technique that involves the administration of a polidocanol injection directly to the diseased vein. The mechanism of action can be described in the following steps:
- Injection: Asclera is introduced into the vein intended for treatment, using a sterile fine needle.
- Irritation and Inflammation: When instilled within the vessel, polidocanol irritates and inflames the inner covering of the blood vessel (endothelium). This inflammation stimulates the vein to fall.
- Occlusion of the Vessel: Due to the inflammation, the vessel hardens leading to its occlusion preventing any further forward blood flow.
- Body Absorption: Gradually over time, the closed blood vessel is absorbed by the body, and this vessel disappears from sight. Blood is shunted to other, non-affected veins.
As with any medical procedure, Asclera has some side effects. Nevertheless, the majority of the side effects are usually mild and short-lived. The most common side effects are as follows:
- Redness and/or itching at the injection site.
- Bruising at the site of treated veins, which is common after undergoing sclerotherapy treatment.
- Swelling and/or tenderness in the treated site.
- Tanning of skin above the treated vein (may last for few weeks or months but generally resolves with time).
- Small lumps or clots forming in the treated veins, which may be tender or painful.
At the outset, it is critical to note certain significant warnings and precautions pertaining to the use of Asclera prior to treatment. Also, sclerotherapy may not be their recommended intervention.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The safety of Asclera in pregnant women has not been established; thus it is advisable to use it only when the potential gain is greater than other associated risks. It is not known whether polidocanol is excreted in breast milk, and therefore nursing mothers should seek their physician’s advice.
- Blood Clotting Disorders: sclerotherapy may not be appropriate due to known blood clotting disorders or use of anticoagulant (blood thinning drugs) medication in individuals.
- Heart Disease: For those patients who have ever had any cardiovascular problem or have had a heart disease/surgery even recently, they should consult their physician about the risks associated with the procedure as there is a small risk of complications.
Anticoagulants: Asclera is expected to have additional risks regarding bleeding when used in conjunction with anticoagulants like warfarin, heparin, or direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). Since these drugs are blood thinners, using them with Asclera might increase the risks of excessive bleeding or bruising post-sclerotherapy.
Antiplatelet Agents: Antiplatelet medications like aspirin, clopidogrel, or NSAIDs may increase bleeding risk or bruising at the site of injection when used together with Asclera. Should you need to be on such medications, your doctor may adjust the dose or scheduling of your treatment.
Vasoconstrictors: Drugs which are vasoconstrictors such as certain decongestants (e.g., pseudoephedrine) or sympathomimetic drugs may obstruct the efficacy of sclerotherapy through vasoconstriction to the veins making it difficult for Asclera to work on the selected veins.
Asclera is generally given by a qualified practitioner in hospital or clinical environment. The treatment dosage differs based on the size and amount of veins treated. For varicose vein treatments, the usual normal dose ranges between 0.5 mL to 3 mL of Asclera per vein size. For spider veins, it would be a smaller dose and larger veins would take more.
Asclera is restriction such a way that it can be provided with effort of prescription only which states that an individual has to be under a care of a sitter who has an authority to prescribe. Prescribing of the drug is as a rule done by specialists like vascular surgeons, dermatologists or other qualified personnel who have training in sclerotherapy.
The doctor will make a complete assessment of your general health, the status of your veins, and your overall treatment expectations before commencing treatment so as to know whether Ascleara is suitable for you.