Ethamolin

Generic Name: ethanolamine oleate (ETH a NOLE a meen)

What is Ethamolin (ethanolamine oleate)?

Ethanolamine oleate is a sclerosing (skler-OS-ing) agent. It works by creating scar tissue inside a swollen or dilated (wider than normal) vein to prevent bleeding.

Ethanolamine oleate is used to treat esophageal varices. This is a life-threatening condition that causes dilated blood vessels inside the tissues lining the esophagus or upper part of the stomach. The result is severe bleeding from the esophagus into the throat or intestines. Esophageal varices is caused by liver disease.

Ethanolamine oleate is only for treating esophageal varices that have recently bled.

Ethanolamine oleate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Ethamolin (ethanolamine oleate)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to ethanolamine oleate or oleic acid (oleo).

Ethanolamine oleate will not treat any underlying liver disease.

Before receiving this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, or heart disease, or lung disease. If you have any of these conditions, you may need dose adjustments or special tests during treatment.

In an emergency situation, it may not be possible before you are treated with ethanolamine oleate to tell your caregivers about any health conditions you have or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. However, make sure any doctor caring for your pregnancy or your baby knows that you have received this medication.

Serious side effects of ethanolamine oleate include severe pain or burning in your upper stomach, stabbing chest pain, feeling short of breath, fever, chills, cough with yellow or green mucus, or cough or hiccups (may be a sign of fluid buildup around the lungs).

What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving Ethamolin (ethanolamine oleate)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to ethanolamine oleate or oleic acid (oleo).

Ethanolamine oleate will not treat any underlying liver disease.

If possible, before you receive ethanolamine oleate, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

kidney disease;

heart disease; or

lung disease.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need dose adjustments or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether ethanolamine oleate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

In an emergency situation, it may not be possible before you are treated with ethanolamine oleate to tell your caregivers if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. However, make sure any doctor caring for your pregnancy or your baby knows that you have received this medication.

How is ethanolamine oleate given?

Ethanolamine oleate is given as an injection through a needle placed directly into the vein. You will receive this injection in a hospital or emergency setting.

This medication is usually given during a bleeding episode and again at 1 week, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months afterward.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since ethanolamine oleate is given by a healthcare professional in a hospital setting, it is not likely that you will miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include chest pain, or coughing up blood or dark tissue.

What should I avoid while receiving Ethamolin (ethanolamine oleate)?

Follow your doctor’s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are receiving this medication.

Ethamolin (ethanolamine oleate) side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Tell your caregivers at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

cough or hiccups (may be a sign of fluid buildup around the lungs);

fever, chills, cough with yellow or green mucus;

stabbing chest pain, feeling short of breath; or

severe pain or burning in your upper stomach.

Less serious side effects may include:

low fever; or

trouble swallowing.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Ethamolin (ethanolamine oleate)?

There may be other drugs that can interact with ethanolamine oleate. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.