What is Hirudoid forte Gel and when is it used?

Hirudoid forte gel contains the active ingredient heparinoid MPS (chondroitin polysulphate). MPS is the abbreviation for mucopolysaccharide polysulfate. This active ingredient prevents the formation of blood clots and promotes their regression. In addition, inflammatory processes and fluid accumulations in the tissue are eliminated.

After using Hirudoid forte Gel, tissue tension and the associated pain are reduced, swelling and bruising are reduced, and the heaviness in the legs is relieved.

Hirudoid forte gel is applied:

• for complaints associated with varicose veins such as pain, feelings of heaviness, swollen legs (stasis oedema)
• for blunt sports injuries and accidental injuries such as bruises, contusions, strains, bruising and swelling
• for muscle and tendon pain

The gel has a cooling effect.

With a doctor's prescription, Hirudoid forte Gel can also

• for (superficial) phlebitis;
• for inflammatory conditions in varicose veins,
• for follow-up treatment of sclerotherapy;
• for supportive treatment of venous thrombosis

are applied.

What should be considered?

You can support the treatment of your vein disease by making sure you get enough exercise. Sitting or standing for long periods of time causes congestion and strains your veins. Also avoid additional stress such as alcohol and cigarettes in excess, heavy or flatulent food, obesity and overheating from sunbathing and excessive use of the sauna.

Also follow your doctor's advice beyond using Hirudoid, such as exercising or wearing support stockings.

When must Hirudoid forte Gel not be used?

Hirudoid forte Gel should not be used in patients with a known hypersensitivity to heparinoid or any of the other excipients.

When is caution required when using Hirudoid forte Gel?

Hirudoid forte Gel may only be used on intact skin. Please make sure that the gel does not come into contact with open wounds, eyes or mucous membranes.

This medicine contains 5mg propylene glycol per 1g gel. Propylene glycol may cause skin irritation.

In the case of venous diseases that can be traced back to the presence of a blood clot (so-called thromboembolism), massage is not allowed.

If your symptoms persist or if the symptoms worsen, you should definitely see a doctor.

Inform your doctor, pharmacist or druggist if you suffer from other illnesses, have allergies or are taking other medicines (even those you bought yourself!) or using them externally.

Can Hirudoid forte Gel be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Based on previous experience, there is no known risk to the unborn child if used as directed. However, systematic scientific investigations have never been carried out. As a precaution, you should avoid taking medicines during pregnancy and breastfeeding or ask your doctor, pharmacist or druggist for advice.

How do you use Hirudoid forte Gel?

Adults

Unless otherwise prescribed by the doctor, several times Apply a strand of gel of 3-5 cm (more if necessary) daily. In the case of thromboembolic diseases (blood clots), however, massage should not be used.

With the 100 g tube, only about a third of the specified length of the gel strand (d. 1-2 cm) is to be used due to the larger tube opening.

As with all gels containing alcohol, you should not put a bandage over Hirudoid forte Gel. Hirudoid forte cream is available for use under bandages.

Children

The use and safety of Hirudoid forte Gel in children has not yet been systematically tested.

Stick to the dosage given in the package leaflet or as prescribed by your doctor. If you think the medicine is too weak or too strong, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or druggist.

What side effects can Hirudoid forte Gel have?

The following side effects can occur when using Hirudoid forte Gel:

Rare (affects 1 to 10 users in 10,000)

In rare cases, skin hypersensitivity reactions (allergy) may occur.

Tell your doctor or nurse if you notice any of these signs. If the irritation is severe, you should no longer use Hirudoid forte Gel.

If you notice side effects that are not described here, you should inform your doctor, pharmacist or druggist.

What else needs to be considered?

The medicinal product may only be used up to the date marked «EXP» on the packaging.

Storage instructions

Store at room temperature (15 - 25 °C).

Store medicines in a dry place and out of the reach of children.

Further information

The aluminum foil at the opening of the tube can be easily pierced with the spike embedded in the cap.

Your doctor, pharmacist or druggist can provide you with further information. These people have the detailed information for specialists.

What does Hirudoid forte Gel contain?

1 g of gelcontains:

Active ingredients

Heparinoid MPS (chondroitin polysulphate, produced from bovine trachea) 4.45 mg (equivalent to 400 U.).

Excipients

Isopropyl alcohol, polyacrylic acid, propylene glycol (E1520), sodium hydroxide, purified water.

Approval number

40550 (Swissmedic)

Where can you get Hirudoid forte Gel? What packs are available?

Hirudoid forte Gel is available in pharmacies and drugstores without a doctor's prescription.

There are packs of 40 g and 100 g gel.

Authorization holder

Medinova AG, 8050 Zurich

This leaflet was last checked by the Medicines Agency (Swissmedic) in November 2021.