Galvenox is a drug that acts on the cardiovascular system.
Most often, it is used in the case of:
- damage occurring within the smallest blood vessels,
- changes in the retina of the eye as a result of long-term diabetes
- symptoms of chronic, more intense venous insufficiency in the lower extremities (such as: swelling, pain, muscle cramps, numbness, sensory disturbances, tingling, skin changes associated with venous retention, a feeling of heaviness in the legs),
- arteriovenous microcirculation disorders,
- haemorrhoids.
In addition, Galvenox is used as an aid in the treatment of inflammation of the superficial veins in the area of the lower extremities.
Composition of Galvenox
The composition of galvenox includes the active substance – calcium dobesylate monohydrate. Apart from it, there are also auxiliary substances: microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide, gelatin, azorubin, quinoline yellow and titanium dioxide.
Calcium dobesylate is a substance used to improve the functioning of the endothelium of blood vessels. Thanks to its use, the permeability of the capillary and lymphatic vessels walls is reduced. They are strengthened, as a result of which the level of their brittleness is reduced and the seepage of fluids through the tissues forming them is inhibited. Equally important, calcium dobesate reduces blood viscosity by lowering the amount of fibrinogen (a protein that causes blood clotting) to be present. In addition, calcium dobesate has a positive effect on the plasticity of erythrocytes, preventing them from sticking together. As a result, it is used in the treatment of varicose veins, various damage to blood vessels, especially capillaries. The other effects of calcium dobesylate action include acceleration of the collagen synthesis process.
How is Galvenox used?
Galvenox is in the form of capsules intended to be taken orally. Usually, during the treatment with Galvenox, 1 or 2 capsules are taken a day. This dose is equivalent to 500-1000 mg of calcium dobesilate. It is recommended that the capsules be taken at meals with a glass of water.
The duration of the treatment with Galvenox varies depending on the reason for its administration and the intensity of the disease symptoms. For this reason, treatment can last from a few weeks to several months or even longer. Details of the treatment duration and the amount of the dose taken are determined by the doctor prescribing Galvenox.
Galvenox is a prescription-only medicine. One package contains 30 capsules containing 500 mg of calcium dobesilate. The price of one package is less than PLN 20. The manufacturer of the drug is Galena, a recognized Polish manufacturer of drugs and dietary supplements, based in Wrocław. Galvenox is sometimes used with a drug with a similar name, from the same manufacturer – Galvenox VENO.
Precautions while taking Galvenox
As with all medications, taking Galvenox may be associated with undesirable results. The most common ones are:
- epigastric pain
- nausea, vomiting
- diarrhea,
- headache and dizziness, trouble concentrating,
- bone marrow depression
- allergic skin reactions,
- musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders,
- arthralgia,
- fever.
It is not recommended to use Galvenox for people under 18 years of age. In the case of pregnant and lactating women, this fact should be reported to the doctor prescribing Galvenox. Galvenox is poorly transported into breast milk. Therefore, it is prescribed to nursing mothers only in selected situations. However, there is no detailed information on the possibility of Galvenox penetrating the placenta and thus potentially induced disorders in the development of the fetus.
Moreover, it is not recommended to use Galvenox in people suffering from recurrent chronic gastritis or suffering from gastric or duodenal ulcers. While taking Galvenox, patients are recommended to monitor the condition of the gastrointestinal tract, and report this fact to their doctor in the event of aggravation of gastrointestinal symptoms. Hypersensitivity to any of its components as well as severe kidney diseases (such as kidney failure) are also disqualified from therapy with Galvenox.
In rare cases, taking Galvenox may cause allergic reactions, such as agranulocytosis. Symptoms of its occurrence include fever, inflammation of the throat, tonsils and the urogenital system.