Heparin Acrigel 1000: instructions for use, reviews

Heparin Acrigel is a drug that is part of the conservative treatment of diseases caused by varicose veins. The medication belongs to the group of direct-acting anticoagulants, which accelerates the blood clotting process. It is intended for external use because it can effectively eliminate swelling, local inflammation and improve tissue microcirculation. What are the indications for use? How to use the product correctly to achieve a quick effect?

Components of the drug

Heparin Acrigel 1000 is a gel-based drug. The active substance in the product is sodium heparin at a concentration of 1000 IU. Thanks to the active component, the medicinal properties of the gel are revealed, which consist in reducing the activity of thrombin, which promotes platelet aggregation.

The drug is produced in aluminum tubes containing a transparent gel with a specific odor

In addition to the main substance, the gel includes auxiliary components:

Methyl parahydroxybenzoate (inhibits the growth and development of pathogenic microflora).
Carbomer (cosmetic powder used to thin the consistency).
Trometamol (due to its diuretic effect, eliminates swelling of intracellular tissue).
Ethyl alcohol (has antiseptic properties).
Lavender oil (helps improve tissue microcirculation, and also has bactericidal, antiseptic, antispasmodic properties).
Nerol oil (eliminates swelling, spasm and soreness).
Distilled water.

The absorption of the active components of the product is slow, so its regular use does not lead to an overdose.

Similar drugs

If there are contraindications, heparin ointment can be replaced with external agents with a similar effect:

Hepatrombin based on heparin, allantoit, dexpanthenol eliminates inflammation, dilates blood vessels, destroys blood clots, and prevents the formation of new ones.
Lyoton with heparin also has an antithrombic and anti-inflammatory effect.
Venitan with beta-escin and heparin stops the inflammatory reaction and tones the veins.

Lyoton is an analogue of Heparin ointment

All of the medications described above have similar indications and contraindications. What is best will be determined by your attending physician after the diagnosis has been established.

Thus, Heparin ointment and gel are effective and relatively safe drugs that are used to treat varicose veins, phlebitis, hemorrhoids, lactation mastitis and other diseases. To avoid negative reactions, you should consult your doctor before using the product. The patient must follow the doctor's recommendations regarding the use of the drug.

Pharmacological effects

When used externally, the gel penetrates the skin, where the active substances begin to act within a few hours. Thanks to the local action of the drug, it directly affects the area of the pathological process, eliminating the symptoms resulting from the formation of blood clots in the blood vessel. Heparin activates metabolic processes in tissues, which improves microcirculation of the affected area.

Penetrating through the skin, Heparin enhances the process of clot destruction

The drug has the following pharmacological effects:

Antithrombic. Reduces the incidence of vascular thrombosis and promotes the resorption of already formed blood clots.
Antiexudative. Removes excess tissue fluid, eliminating swelling.
Anti-inflammatory. Helps reduce inflammation in the affected area.

Regular use of the drug can reduce the risk of progression of varicose veins, which allows you to avoid surgical intervention for a long time.

Patients about Heparin ointment

Heparin-based products have a wide spectrum of action. Most patients respond positively to the effect of the drug, although some complain of allergies after using it.

Most patients are satisfied with the effect of Heparin ointment and gel

Patient reviews: Nina “After the birth of the child, I began to suffer from varicose veins, my entire right leg was covered with a vascular network, and a vein protruded from under the skin. My mother advised me to use heparin ointment, which I have been using for a month now. A miracle did not happen, but the vein shrank a little. In addition to the ointment, I used a vitamin complex that the doctor recommended to me. In principle, I am satisfied with the effect of the product, the only negative is that the ointment is poorly absorbed. To facilitate this process, I put a napkin on top of the ointment layer and fix it.”

Alina “I used Heparin ointment for hemorrhoids (its external stage, when hemorrhoidal cones fall out). I applied the product with my fingers (exclusively clean hands) directly to the bump. If there were anal fissures, I injected the product into the anus using a Relief ointment applicator. Heparin ointment does not cause discomfort after application. Literally after a week of regular use, the bumps and other symptoms disappeared. I have seasonal hemorrhoids, and therefore I will use the drug in another 2-3 months. I recommend to all!".

Maria “I was advised to use Heparin gel at the pharmacy when I asked for a remedy for bruises. After the fall, my leg became swollen and a large hematoma appeared. I applied a thin layer of the product to the bruise twice a day, covering it with a napkin on top, as the pharmacist advised. On the second day, the swelling disappeared and the bruise became lighter. After another 2 days it turned yellow, and a week later there was no trace left of it. I am pleased with the results from using the gel, and the price of the drug is good!”

Mechanism of action

The mechanism of action of the drug is based on the antiplatelet and anticoagulant properties of the active substance. After application to the skin, the combined composition of the drug is gradually absorbed into the bloodstream, where it activates the anti-clotting protein. After activation of this mechanism, the transformation of prothrombin into thrombin is disrupted, thrombin activity decreases and the degree of platelet aggregation decreases.

Neroli oil has a tonic and anti-sclerotic effect on blood vessels

Heparin has the property of inhibiting the formation of fibrin in the blood, which inhibits local tissue immunity and serves as the basis for the formation of clots. It also promotes the resorption of formed blood clots by accelerating blood circulation in small vessels and stimulating metabolic processes in tissues.

In what cases is it used?

The drug is used for prophylactic and therapeutic purposes in pathological conditions accompanied by the formation of a blood clot in the lumen of peripheral and coronary vessels.

The gel can be used during exacerbation of hemorrhoidal disease in the acute stage

Experts prescribe the gel for the following diseases:

thrombophlebitis of superficial vessels;
local infiltrates;
swelling of soft tissues;
joint and tendon damage;
bruise of connective tissue and joint;
trophic ulcer of the leg;
post-infectious hematomas;
superficial mastitis;
lymphedema.

The drug is recommended for use in cases of constant nagging pain, fatigue, skin itching and excessive swelling at the end of the day.

Recommendations for use

Instructions for use Heparin Acrigel 1000 contains recommendations for the correct use of liniment, intended exclusively for external application.

The product is recommended to be applied to clean and dried skin directly to the affected area.

To achieve maximum therapeutic effect, you should adhere to the following recommendations:

The amount of gel is calculated so that an equal amount of product is applied to a skin area with a diameter of 3-5 cm.
The product is applied in a thin layer, rubbed in with soft circular movements.
The drug is taken daily 1 to 3 times a day.

The duration of the therapeutic course depends on the regeneration of the skin and the rate of resorption of the blood clot. As a rule, the duration of treatment is determined by the attending physician based on diagnostic data. On average, it ranges from several days to 1 week or until the inflammatory process is completely eliminated.

The use of the gel is contraindicated in the presence of open wound surfaces, hemorrhages, purulent processes and impaired blood clotting.

Application specifics

Using Heparin ointment is not difficult; a little product is applied to the area where the damaged veins are located and distributed evenly. The ointment is rubbed in gently, without pressure.

Heparin ointment or gel is applied to the damaged area and gently rubbed in

On average, the drug is used twice or three times a day. The therapeutic course ranges from 3 days to 1 week. If necessary, the doctor will extend the treatment to 2-3 weeks, this applies to those cases when a person eliminates large hematomas.

Regardless of the problem, you should consult a doctor before using the medicine.

Specifics of using ointment or gel for different pathologies:

For external hemorrhoids, soak a piece of tissue with ointment, apply it to the thrombosed nodes and fix it. To eliminate inflammation and pain in the anal canal, use a tampon, which is also soaked in heparin ointment, and then inserted rectally.
As mentioned earlier, heparin products are used to eliminate vascular networks and treat thrombophlebitis. In this case, the gel or ointment is applied with extreme caution so as not to aggravate the course of the disease.
If there is a bruise, it is not recommended to rub the ointment into the affected area immediately after the injury, otherwise hemorrhage will occur. Doctors advise treating the damaged area on the second day, to enhance the therapeutic effect, apply a bandage or gauze over the ointment.

Heparin ointment has long been successfully used in cosmetology to eliminate wrinkles, pimples and bags under the eyes. To eliminate bags under the eyes, a little ointment is carefully applied to the skin with your fingertips once every 24 hours. For acne, apply a thin ball of product to a cleansed face three times a day until the inflammation disappears. The same method is used to treat rosacea.

Thanks to its absorbent and anti-edematous properties, the product is used to combat small wrinkles. To do this, the ointment is applied to the skin, all movements should be light. Use the drug to smooth out wrinkles twice a day.

Features of use for hemorrhoids

The effectiveness of the gel has been proven in the treatment of hemorrhoids. The drug is used in both acute and chronic forms of the pathological process. Regular application of Acrigel 1000 during exacerbation of hemorrhoids prevents thrombosis of hemorrhoids, reduces inflammation, pain, and also eliminates swelling of the soft tissues of the rectal opening. The treatment regimen is selected individually for each patient, taking into account the severity and stage of the pathology.

The gel is used for the treatment of external and internal forms of hemorrhoidal disease

Method of use of the drug for external hemorrhoidal formations:

Before applying the product, it is necessary to carry out hygiene procedures in the anal area, without using aggressive detergents.
A small amount of gel is applied to a bandage or cotton pad.
The compress is placed on the inflamed area.

For internal hemorrhoids, the following method of applying liniment is used:

The rectum should be cleaned by first administering a microenema, and then carry out hygienic procedures.
Make a rectal swab in the form of an oblong cone from a sterile piece of gauze.
Soak the tampon with ointment and insert it into the rectal canal in a circular motion to a depth of 2-3 cm.

When inserting a medicated tampon into the anal canal, patients should be careful, since there is a risk of injury to the cavernous formations and the development of bleeding. In the acute phase of the disease, rubbing liniment is prohibited, as this can cause rupture of the vascular wall.

The therapeutic course is about two weeks, and the number of applications varies from 2 to 3 times a day.

Special Recommendations

The ointment should be taken with caution by patients who suffer from arterial hypertension, diabetes, and bronchial asthma. Dose adjustment is carried out for tuberculosis in the active phase, liver failure, and during radiation therapy.

During therapy, it is recommended to monitor blood clotting parameters

Precautions must be taken in elderly patients, especially women. During pregnancy, the drug is prescribed if the beneficial properties exceed the possible harm, but in accordance with strict indications.

What can be replaced

Analogs of a drug, drugs with similar indications for use, pharmacological effect, and mechanism of action. However, the concentration of the active substance may differ slightly, which affects the cost of the product. As a rule, more expensive substitutes contain additional components that enhance the effect of the active substance. It is necessary to replace liniment only after consultation with a specialist.

Review of the most popular analogues of the drug:

Lyoton 1000. The active substance is sodium heparin, which prevents blood clotting and resolves formed blood clots. The drug is used for impaired venous outflow and thrombophlebitis.
Heparin ointment. The active ingredient is heparin, which destroys clots and prevents the formation of new ones. The content of benzyl nicotinate causes dilation of the vascular wall, which improves the absorption of heparin.
Venolife. The combined composition of the drug contains two active components: sodium heparin and dexpanthenol. There is an improvement in tissue metabolism, restoration of damaged tissue, and increased absorption of heparin.

Hepatothrombin is an effective substitute that can have analgesic and antiseptic effects

Heparin Acrigel 1000 is used for diseases caused by thrombosis of blood vessels and to eliminate associated symptoms. Regular use of the gel allows you to achieve remission of varicose veins, as well as prevent its progression. However, the product must be used as prescribed by a specialist, with regular monitoring of the blood coagulation system.

special instructions

The use of Heparin ointment is contraindicated in the following cases:

Skin damage (scratches, wounds, ulcers). It is forbidden to treat an open wound with the drug, as the likelihood of bleeding increases. In addition, the drug slightly weakens local immunity, as a result of which the infection can spread to nearby tissues.
Impaired functions of the blood coagulation system (increased bleeding, decreased platelet count) and hemorrhages. Heparin-based products reduce blood viscosity, and as a result, its fluidity increases. For this reason, ointment and gel should not be used if the patient has reduced blood clotting or bleeding (including internal bleeding).
Intolerance to heparin and other components. Before using medications, a sensitivity test should be performed.
Heparin-based drugs are contraindicated in patients under 15 years of age.

Heparin ointment and gel should not be used if the integrity of the skin is damaged, increased bleeding and hypersensitivity to components

Most patients tolerate the medication well, but some of them complain of allergies after using it. In such cases, after external use, redness, rash on the skin, and itching are observed.

You should not get carried away with products containing heparin, as long-term use increases the likelihood of developing hypersensitivity to their substances. In this case, the skin turns red, itching, burning and other negative phenomena appear. If such symptoms occur, you should stop using the ointment or gel and consult a doctor for advice.

Reviews

Evgenia, 36 years old, I felt heaviness in my legs for a long time, there was severe swelling and pain throughout the day. Therefore, on the recommendation of a friend, I purchased Lyoton Acrigel. The advantage of the gel is its availability and compliance with the stated characteristics. I applied the product twice a day, the effect was noticeable after 7 days of use. The condition of the skin has noticeably improved, swelling and pain have disappeared. A minor drawback is the stickiness of the ointment during application and the feeling of a film.

Nikolai, 40 years old I was diagnosed with a blood clot in the upper thigh, so it is necessary to constantly use anticoagulant drugs that prevent the progression of the pathology. As prescribed by the doctor, I used Lyoton gel for some time, but its price increased and I had to give it up. My wife helped me choose a cheaper analogue that was not inferior in pharmacological effects to its predecessor. Heparin Acrigel is a domestic drug, but its composition is practically no different from its foreign analogue.

Ekaterina, 32 years old The last pregnancy and childbirth provoked the appearance of varicose veins of the lower extremities. Swollen veins are visible on the skin, and nodes have formed in some areas. The condition was accompanied by severe burning, heaviness and pain. The pharmacy recommended that I buy Heparin Acrigel. At this time, I was satisfied with the medicine, as it helped reduce the manifestations of pathology, and after application it does not leave greasy stains.

Purpose of the drug

As the instructions say, the use of ointment is permissible in the following cases:

Varicose veins of the lower extremities. Heparin-based drugs are most often used to treat varicose veins in the legs. It's no secret that varicose veins occur as a result of impaired blood flow and valve failure. At the early stage of the disease, swelling and redness of the affected area occur. A little later, spider veins appear on the lower extremities. It is at this stage of the disease that it is recommended to use heparin ointment; the product quickly eliminates the inflammatory process and normalizes blood circulation. The drug is recommended to be used for 14 days.
Thrombophlebitis. This pathology is characterized by inflammation of the internal venous wall with the formation of a blood clot that closes the lumen of the vessel. Heparin ointment or gel is also actively used to eliminate the symptoms of thrombophlebitis. The active ingredients stop inflammation, accelerate the destruction of blood clots, and prevent their re-formation. However, the damaged area must be treated with extreme caution, since strong rubbing increases the likelihood of a blood clot breaking off.
The use of products containing heparin is permissible for periphlebitis (inflammation of the tissues surrounding the vein), as well as for inflammation of the venous wall after an injection or injection of solutions that irritate the vessel.
Heparin ointment is used to treat hemorrhoids. This disease occurs due to blockage of the veins of the rectum, and therefore for effective therapy it is necessary to eliminate its cause (that is, a blood clot in the lumen of the vessel). With the help of heparin ointment, the inflammatory process and pain quickly disappear. In addition, the drug eliminates formed blood clots and prevents the formation of new clots.
Heparin-based gel or ointment can heal trophic ulcers (an open wound on the skin or mucous membrane that does not heal for a long time). The drug dilates blood vessels, reduces blood viscosity, so that it circulates faster, saturates the damaged area with useful substances and oxygen. As a result, wound healing accelerates. However, it is forbidden to apply ointment and gel to the defect itself, as the likelihood of hemorrhage increases.
Inflammation of the mammary gland during breastfeeding. The drug with sodium heparin is sometimes used as part of complex therapy. For lactation mastitis, the anti-inflammatory properties of the drug are incredibly useful.

In addition, heparin-based products are used for lymphangitis (inflammation of the lymphatic vessels), elephantiasis (elephantiasis of the legs), hematomas, and edema.