Abstract

The Medicines Control Agency has recently restricted the licensed uses of Paroven (Zyma*) to ‘relief of symptoms of oedema associated with chronic venous insufficiency’. A mixture of oxerutins, Paroven had long been marketed for the relief of symptoms ‘associated with venous insufficiency, including painful heavy tired legs, night cramps, paraesthesia, restless legs, varicose states, and post-phlebitic syndrome’. Much work on the drug has been published since 1970, when we concluded that despite interesting pharmacological actions the evidence for its therapeutic value was poor.¹ Is there now a clear rationale for its use?