When patients come with varicose veins, most of them have already tried something.
A tablet suggested by a friend.
A medicine prescribed earlier.
Or something they found online.
The most common question I hear is simple.
“Doctor, I’ve been taking medicines. Why are my veins still there?”
To answer that properly, we need to understand what these medicines are meant to do and what they are not capable of doing.
First, Understand the Real Problem in Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are not caused by infection or simple inflammation.
They happen because the valves inside leg veins become weak.
When these valves fail:
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Blood does not flow upward properly
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It starts collecting in the legs
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Pressure inside the veins increases
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Veins slowly enlarge and become visible
Because this is a structural circulation problem, no tablet can repair damaged vein valves.
Medicines work around the problem. They do not reverse it.
1. Vein-Support Tablets (Most Commonly Prescribed)
These are the medicines most patients are given first.
Commonly prescribed medicines in India
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Diosmin + Hesperidin combinations
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MPFF (Micronized Purified Flavonoid Fraction)
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Aescin based medicines (Horse chestnut extract)
Why doctors prescribe these medicines
These tablets help by:
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Improving vein tone slightly
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Reducing leg heaviness
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Reducing aching pain by evening
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Controlling mild swelling
Patients usually describe the benefit like this:
“My legs feel lighter by the end of the day.”
That is a genuine benefit.
What these medicines cannot do
This is where expectations must be clear.
These tablets:
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Do not shrink visible veins
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Do not repair damaged valves
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Do not permanently stop progression
They improve comfort, not appearance or structure.
How long before patients feel relief
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Mild improvement usually starts in 2 to 4 weeks
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Best results are seen when combined with walking and compression stockings
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No change after weeks usually means the disease is more advanced
2. Painkillers for Varicose Vein Pain
Painkillers are sometimes used, but only for short periods.
Common examples
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Short courses of anti-inflammatory medicines if required
What painkillers actually do
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Reduce pain sensation
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Calm inflammation temporarily
What they do not do
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They do not improve blood circulation
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They do not treat the vein problem
If a patient needs painkillers regularly, it usually means the circulation issue needs reassessment, not stronger pain medicine.
3. Medicines for Leg Swelling (Most Misunderstood Area)
Swelling is often the main reason patients seek help.
Here is an important point many patients do not know.
Swelling in varicose veins happens because blood is pooling inside the veins, not because the body is holding extra water.
Why “swelling tablets” often fail
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They reduce body water, not venous pressure
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Swelling reduces temporarily
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Swelling comes back once tablets stop
Patients often say:
“Doctor, swelling reduces for a few days and then returns.”
That happens because the root circulation problem is still present.
Long-term use of such medicines without supervision can also lead to weakness, cramps, or dehydration.
4. Blood Thinners and Varicose Veins
Many patients worry about blood clots and ask about blood thinners.
Clear clarification
Blood thinners are not routine treatment for varicose veins.
When blood thinners are used
They are prescribed only if there is:
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A confirmed blood clot
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Superficial vein thrombosis
These medicines are started only after proper evaluation.
They should never be self-started for leg pain or swelling.
“I Took Medicines for Months. Why Didn’t My Veins Improve?”
This is a very common concern.
The usual reasons are:
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Vein valves are already damaged
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Blood pressure inside veins is high
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Skin changes have started
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Disease has progressed beyond medicine-only stage
Medicines can still reduce symptoms, but they cannot reverse these changes.
Ignoring this phase can lead to skin darkening, itching, hard veins, or ulcers later.
When Medicines Are Actually Useful
Medicines work best when:
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Varicose veins are in early stages
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Symptoms are mild
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Used along with lifestyle changes
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The goal is symptom control, not cure
They are supportive tools. They are not the final solution in every case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can medicines remove varicose veins?
No. Medicines reduce symptoms but do not remove veins.
Are these medicines safe long-term?
Most are safe short-term. Long-term use should always be reviewed.
Do these tablets improve blood flow?
They improve comfort, not faulty blood flow.
My Perspective
As a vascular specialist, I explains this clearly to patients:
Medicines are meant to help you feel better.
They are not meant to correct the vein problem.
Knowing what medicines can and cannot do helps patients make calm, informed decisions and avoid unnecessary frustration.