Hemolok

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Hemolok

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Hemolok

Understanding Hemolok

Hemolok is a specialized ligation system used in surgical procedures to manage blood vessels and tissue bundles. It consists of non-absorbable polymer clips and dedicated appliers designed to secure and occlude anatomical structures during both open and laparoscopic surgery.

Material and Design

The clips are manufactured from a biocompatible polymer, a material chosen for its strength and stability within the body. Unlike traditional metal staples or clips, these polymer components do not interfere with diagnostic imaging. The design typically features a mechanical locking mechanism that provides tactile feedback to the surgeon upon closure, ensuring the clip is securely fastened around the intended vessel.

Primary Function

The fundamental purpose of Hemolok is hemostasis—the stopping of blood flow. During surgery, it is necessary to close off blood vessels to prevent bleeding and maintain a clear operative field. The system is used across various surgical disciplines, including:

  • General Surgery: For gallbladder removals or appendectomies.
  • Urology: During kidney or prostate procedures.
  • Gynecology: For the management of pelvic vessels.

By providing a reliable method for vessel ligation, the system supports the surgical team in performing precise dissections and organ removals while minimizing blood loss.

What side effects are possible with Hemolok?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile for Hemolok (Feracryl) is primarily defined by high-level safety constraints and adverse reactions documented by regulatory authorities, which are generally confined to the application site.


Officially Documented Adverse Reactions

Adverse reactions associated with the topical application of Hemolok fall mainly under the Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders category. These effects are considered Common and are typically localized and transient.

  • Application Site Effects: This includes a burning sensation, irritation, or stinging sensation upon contact.
  • Tissue Staining: Discoloration at the application site has been reported.
  • Allergic Potential: The potential for a skin rash or other allergic reactions is recognized, although severe hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis) are considered In Rare Cases for the topical preparation.

Safety Restrictions and Special Populations

Official regulatory documents define specific safety limitations for Feracryl use:

  • Contraindication: Hemolok is strictly contraindicated in patients with a known history of hypersensitivity or allergy to Feracryl (Feracrylum) or any of the product’s components.
  • Drug Interaction Note: The label includes a specific caution regarding the simultaneous use of Hemolok with antifibrinolytic agents, such as epsilon aminocaproic acid (EACA).
  • Population Cautions: Use in pregnant or breastfeeding women and pediatric patients requires professional caution and assessment due to limited safety data in these specific populations.

These constraints define the official risk framework, highlighting localized discomfort and allergic potential as the core safety considerations.

Overdose and Emergency Response

The official regulatory profile for Hemolok (Feracryl) establishes that the risk of a severe systemic overdose from topical application is classified as unlikely. This determination is due to the drug’s established properties as a synthetic polymer with low systemic absorption. However, the regulatory guidance strictly addresses the primary exposure route of concern for this dosage form.

The central situation requiring emergency action is the accidental oral ingestion of the sterile solution or gel. Official prescribing information states that this circumstance is associated with the potential for harmful effects and mandates a specific emergency response.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Help

  • Accidental Ingestion: Immediate medical attention or immediate medical intervention is required if the product is swallowed. Emergency services should be contacted for assessment.
  • Unusual Symptoms: Regulatory guidance also mandates seeking immediate medical attention if any unusual symptoms are experienced following the use of the medicine.

Overdose management is consistently described in official regulatory documents as focusing on providing symptomatic and supportive treatment. Furthermore, the prescribing information confirms that no specific antidote is known for a Feracryl overdose. Medical observation and monitoring may be necessary following initial emergency intervention.

Therapeutic Uses of Hemolok

What Hemolok Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Hemolok (Feracryl) is generally a medication applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed for minor, external bleeding. Its use may assist with addressing symptoms associated with acute or episodic changes and is commonly used for providing supportive management in acute, non-severe injury contexts.

The active agent is utilized in various surgical and non-surgical settings for the control of diffuse oozing from a site. The primary indications where Hemolok is commonly used to help with include managing oozing hemorrhage, addressing persistent capillary leakage after superficial trauma, and addressing pinpoint bleeding following minor procedures.


Supporting Stabilization and Symptom Relief

The core therapeutic application of Hemolok is relevant for easing symptoms of low-volume surface bleeding. The medication is relevant in clinical situations where symptoms involve the slow, continuous discharge of blood from minor breaks in the skin. This supports the patient by contributing to improved comfort and local blood loss minimization. Hemolok generally provides supportive relief in common scenarios involving acute, non-severe external trauma, such as household nicks.


Quick Fact: Relief for Localized Bleeding Symptoms

Hemolok is relevant for easing symptoms associated with acute or episodic changes, specifically focusing on superficial blood seepage where short-term symptomatic assistance is needed.

Regulatory References

  1. U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Review on Feracrylum

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

The eligibility profile for Hemolok (Feracryl) is strictly defined by regulatory authorities to ensure appropriate use and safety across different populations.

Absolute Contraindications

Hemolok is contraindicated and must not be used by patients with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to the active ingredient, Feracryl, or any other component in the formulation. Use is also prohibited where the agent could enter major blood vessels (arterial or venous), as this poses a documented risk of embolism.


Conditional and Restricted Use Populations

Use of Hemolok is categorized as conditional in several patient groups, requiring special consideration as documented in official regulatory labels.

  • Organ Function: Patients with severe renal (kidney) or hepatic (liver) impairment require special warnings and evaluation, making eligibility conditional upon professional assessment.
  • Physiological States: Eligibility during pregnancy and breastfeeding is also conditional, requiring a formal Risk Summary based on available data, as outlined in official prescribing information for the purpose of risk assessment.
  • Age Groups: Use is generally established for adults. However, use in the Paediatric Population is often subject to a minimum age threshold, with use in some younger subsets classified as not established due to limited clinical data.
  • Comorbidities: Restrictions further apply to patients receiving concurrent therapy with Antifibrinolytic Agents due to the potential for pharmacological opposition, necessitating a formal warning.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

The official interaction profile for Hemolok (Feracryl) is largely defined by its strictly topical application and lack of systemic absorption, limiting the potential for pharmacokinetic drug interactions.

Documented Interaction Restrictions

The primary constraint noted in government regulatory documentation is a pharmacodynamic conflict that mandates a restriction on co-administration with a specific class of medicines.

Interaction Type Interacting Substance/Class Official Restriction
Pharmacodynamic Conflict Antifibrinolytic Agents (e.g., Epsilon Aminocaproic Acid) Contraindicated combination

The co-administration of Hemolok with Antifibrinolytic Agents is formally classified as a contraindication because their effects are opposing: the hemostatic action of Hemolok is designed to create a physical seal, while antifibrinolytic agents work to inhibit clot breakdown.

Absence of Systemic Interactions

Regulatory assessments confirm that major categories of systemic interactions are not applicable to Hemolok. Due to the absence of systemic absorption, no documented effects exist on metabolic enzyme pathways, such as the cytochrome P450 system, nor are there any listed interactions related to drug transporters that would alter the exposure of co-administered systemic medicines. Furthermore, official labeling does not document any mandatory timing separation requirements for administration or any interactions with food, alcohol, or herbal products.

Mechanism of Action

Physical Mechanism of Controlled Occlusion

Hemolok's mechanism is purely physical, acting as an external ligature that targets the mechanical integrity of tubular biological structures such as blood vessels or ducts, serving as a materially durable, non-absorbable ligature. By applying force, the device achieves immediate coaptation (bringing together) of the internal walls, which results in the localized cessation of fluid flow through a robust physical blockade.


Secured Polymer Locking System

This domain is defined by the secured locking system built into the inert polymer material, which functions to uphold the structural stability of the closure. This mechanism is designed to hold the initial compression firm against internal fluid pressure and the elastic rebound forces of the compressed tissue. This action provides sustained maintenance of coaptation, which is a necessary mechanistic component for the durable management of fluid pathway flow.


Long-Term Inert Material Stability

The use of an inert, non-absorbable polymer defines this domain, which mechanistically supports the device's durable closure. This mechanism provides durable mechanical support due to its composition. The material exhibits low long-term biological reactivity. The result is a physiologically stable, permanent occlusion of the targeted structure, due to the fixed mechanical characteristics of the polymer.

Dosage and Administration Information

Instruction Map: How to use Hemolok — administration guidelines

This map outlines the instructions for administering Hemolok (Feracryl), focusing on the established usage patterns for the product.


Administration Scope

Feature Detail
Route of administration Topical (Direct application to the external tissue or wound site).
Dosing schedule Application of a sufficient quantity to ensure complete coverage of the area with oozing hemorrhage or capillary leakage.
Timing in relation to meals (if applicable) Not applicable, as the product is for external topical use.
Preparation requirements (if applicable) The application site should be cleaned of debris prior to administration. No dilution is required.
Age-group administration rules No dose adjustment is specified for older adults. Not recommended for use in children under 2 years.
Missed-dose rules Not applicable, as this is an acute, single-application product used only when needed.
Special procedural conditions The Sterile Solution form is for deep or non-accessible small cavities; Gel and Cream forms are for superficial, flat skin surfaces.

Instruction Classifications (High-Level)

Classification Detail
Administration method type Topical (Surface-acting).
Frequency pattern As-needed (Single-application for acute episodes). May be reapplied once within 24 hours.
Use-context constraints Short-term, acute use only. Must be discontinued immediately upon achieving hemostasis.

Resulting Procedural Structure

Step sequence:

  • Clean the external application site to ensure it is free of extraneous debris.
  • Select the appropriate form (Solution or Gel/Cream) based on the wound type.
  • Apply enough product to completely cover the localized area of the minor bleeding.
  • Discontinue use once the bleeding is controlled.

Connection to the overall use protocol: The administration protocol for Hemolok establishes a standardized topical, acute, and self-limiting regimen. It details the necessary steps for site preparation and product selection, defining that usage is strictly confined to the external site of bleeding and must cease as soon as the desired hemostasis is achieved. This established framework outlines the conditions and timing for proper administration.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of Studies for Hemolok (Feracryl)

This overview summarizes the official research evidence for Hemolok's topical application, focusing on the types of studies conducted, what outcomes were monitored, and what remains uncertain in the scientific literature, based on officially referenced scientific literature.


Evidence for Use in Controlling Diffuse Oozing

The research exploring Feracryl was conducted in settings examining diffuse, low-volume oozing—often encountered after minor procedures or superficial injuries—and primarily includes Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and comparative observational studies. These studies were applied in research contexts involving fluctuating or unstable symptoms of bleeding at the surface. The research examined outcomes such as the precise time interval required to attain hemostasis (when the bleeding stopped) and the measurement of localized blood loss volume in adult patients.

Studies report how symptoms evolved in the observed populations, noting measurements of the time elapsed before bleeding cessation was noted at the application site. The evidence base for this application includes study designs such as RCTs. Findings indicate that reported outcomes were restricted to acute observations made within minutes or a few hours.


Research on Managing Persistent Capillary Leakage and Pinpoint Bleeding

Research was conducted using Feracryl in settings examining ongoing, low-volume surface blood discharge originating specifically from small surface vessels, known as persistent capillary leakage, as well as for highly localized pinpoint bleeding. This evidence is based on a mix of comparative clinical trials and smaller-scale RCTs. The research provides context on the hemostatic characteristics of Feracryl when compared against other methods of surface bleeding control.


Research Gaps and Uncertainties

A key pattern observed across the evidence is the focus on acute outcomes, meaning follow-up durations were typically short. Long-term effects are not fully established, as there is little evidence exploring outcomes related to the maintenance or durability of the hemostatic seal over days or weeks. Furthermore, studies have not yet fully evaluated the use of Feracryl across the broad diversity of patients who might use a topical agent for minor external bleeding.

Key Studies & References

  1. To evaluate the role of Feracrylum (1%) as hemostatic agent in Tonsillectomy
  2. Efficacy of Feracrylum as Topical Hemostatic Agent in Therapeutically Anticoagulated Patients Undergoing Dental Extraction: A Comparative Study
  3. Evaluation of Hemostatic and In vitro Antimicrobial Activity of (Revalum®) Feracrylum Gel

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Hemolok (FAQ)

Q: How quickly should I expect Hemolok to start working?

Official research documents suggest that the effect of Hemolok is acute and localized. Outcomes monitored in these studies, such as the time needed to stop the bleeding (hemostasis), were observed within a period of minutes or a few hours after the product was applied.

Q: How long do the effects of Hemolok typically last?

The product's physical action is described in official documents as creating a stable, physical occlusion or seal. However, studies primarily focused on acute outcomes. Research documents note that data regarding the long-term durability or maintenance of this seal over extended periods, such as days or weeks, have not been fully established.

Q: Can Hemolok be used long-term?

Regulatory documents state that Hemolok is intended only for short-term, acute use. The product is designed to control minor external bleeding and is not intended for chronic use. Official instructions specify that the product is intended to be discontinued immediately once the bleeding is controlled.

Q: Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Hemolok?

Official labeling suggests that Hemolok is a topical product with very limited systemic absorption. For this reason, regulatory documents do not document any mandatory restrictions or known interactions concerning the use of alcohol.

Q: Can Hemolok affect my ability to drive or operate machinery?

Official labeling and regulatory assessments indicate that because the product is topical with limited systemic absorption, and documented side effects are localized, warnings do not typically include restrictions on driving or operating machinery.

Q: What kind of foods should I avoid or limit when using Hemolok?

Official labeling does not document any mandatory restrictions or interactions related to food consumption. This is consistent with the product's official description as a topical agent that is not absorbed into the body.

Q: Is Hemolok safe for people with kidney problems?

The official product information specifies that use in patients with severe renal (kidney) impairment is conditional. This may require special warnings and evaluation before eligibility is determined. A professional assessment is required to weigh the individual patient factors and determine eligibility.

Q: Is Hemolok safe for people with liver problems?

Regulatory labels state that patients with severe hepatic (liver) impairment require special warnings and evaluation. The eligibility for use may therefore require a professional assessment based on the individual's specific circumstances.

Q: Are there special considerations for older adults using Hemolok?

Official administration guidelines state that no dose adjustment is specified for older adults. The standard instructions for site preparation and topical application are generally the same as for other adult populations.

Q: Is it okay to take Hemolok if I am taking herbal supplements?

Official labeling for this topical product does not document any known restrictions or interactions concerning the use of herbal products. This aligns with the product's limited systemic absorption.

Q: What is the risk of developing a severe allergic reaction to Hemolok?

The potential for a severe hypersensitivity reaction, such as anaphylaxis, is recognized by regulatory authorities. However, based on safety data, such events are generally considered to occur In Rare Cases for the topical preparation.

Q: Can Hemolok be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

Use during both pregnancy and breastfeeding is categorized as conditional in the official prescribing information. Use in these conditions requires evaluation by a qualified professional to assess the individual risks and benefits based on available data.

Q: Are there any long-term effects of Hemolok that only appear after years of use?

Studies conducted on Hemolok have primarily focused on acute (immediate) outcomes. Official research documents suggest that follow-up periods were generally short, and long-term effects appearing after years of use are not fully established by the existing scientific data.

Q: Is there a maximum time frame for how long Hemolok can be used?

The regulatory framework defines Hemolok as an acute, self-limiting product. This means there is no fixed maximum time frame, as its use is tied entirely to the single, acute episode of bleeding. The usage constraint is that the product is intended to be discontinued once hemostasis is achieved.

Q: What is the difference between the Solution, Gel, and Cream forms?

Official instructions relate the different forms to different application needs. The Sterile Solution is designated for deep or non-accessible small cavities. The Gel and Cream forms are intended for application on superficial, flat skin surfaces.

Q: Is Hemolok available without a prescription in some countries?

The regulatory status of Hemolok can vary depending on the country. In some jurisdictions, topical agents like this may be available as over-the-counter (OTC) products, while other authorities classify them as Prescription-Only Medicines (POM).

Q: Why does the official leaflet list so many possible side effects for Hemolok?

Regulatory bodies require patient leaflets to present a complete picture of the product's safety data. This means all documented adverse reactions from clinical trials and post-marketing reports are typically included, even those that occurred very rarely.

Q: Is a metallic taste in my mouth a common side effect of Hemolok?

Official side effect listings are generally confined to localized reactions at the application site. Since the product is topical with limited systemic absorption, systemic effects such as a metallic taste in the mouth are not typically reported in official documents.

Q: Can taking Hemolok make me feel tired or sleepy?

Regulatory assessments indicate that Hemolok is a topical agent with limited systemic absorption. Systemic effects, such as feeling tired or sleepy, are therefore not typically included in the adverse reaction listings.

Q: Is it common to have stomach upset when first starting Hemolok?

As Hemolok is applied strictly to the skin surface for localized bleeding control, and has limited systemic absorption, regulatory documents do not typically list systemic side effects like stomach upset.

Q: Does Hemolok interact with common pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen?

Regulatory assessments indicate a lack of systemic interactions. Because Hemolok has limited systemic absorption, there are no documented interactions with systemically acting medicines, including common pain relievers.

Q: Are there any specific vitamins or supplements that interact with Hemolok?

Official labeling does not document any mandatory restrictions or interactions involving vitamins or nutritional supplements. This is consistent with the drug being strictly topical and having limited systemic effects.

Q: Can Hemolok be used by people who have a history of heart conditions?

The official label specifies cautions only for patients with severe kidney or liver impairment. No specific contraindications or warnings related to heart conditions are listed, which aligns with the product's limited systemic absorption.

Q: Are there any known interactions between Hemolok and birth control pills?

Due to the limited systemic absorption, regulatory assessments indicate there are no documented interactions between this topical agent and systemically acting medicines, including oral contraceptives.

Q: Does Hemolok cause weight gain or weight loss?

Hemolok is a strictly topical preparation for localized use. Adverse reactions related to body-wide effects, such as changes in weight, are not documented in the official safety profile.

Q: Where can I find the official regulatory document for Hemolok?

Official prescribing information is generally available through various governmental health bodies. Examples include the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) published by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) or records found in the U.S. National Library of Medicine's DailyMed database.

Q: What age range is Hemolok generally approved for?

Use is generally established for adults. Official administration guidelines specify that the product is not recommended for use in children under 2 years due to limited safety data for that specific population.

Q: Can Hemolok be split or crushed to make it easier to swallow?

Hemolok is designed exclusively for topical application directly to the external site of bleeding. It is supplied as a solution, gel, or cream and is not formulated as an oral product to be swallowed.

Q: Is Hemolok a controlled substance?

Hemolok (Feracryl) is a local hemostatic agent. It is not listed in the schedules that classify controlled substances under federal law, and official labeling does not include warnings about its potential for misuse.

Q: What should I do if my side effects from Hemolok feel different than the list?

Official resources contain the recommendation to discuss any unexpected effects with a healthcare professional, even if the effect is not on the official list. Official materials also recommend reporting any adverse reactions to the national drug regulatory authority through established reporting mechanisms.

Q: Why do some people stop taking Hemolok?

The primary reason for stopping use is defined by the product's acute purpose. Regulatory use instructions specify that the product is intended to be discontinued immediately upon achieving hemostasis (when the bleeding is controlled), as it is intended for acute use only.

Q: Does Hemolok affect fertility or hormone levels?

Regulatory assessments indicate that due to limited systemic absorption and topical application, official labeling does not include warnings or information regarding effects on fertility or hormone levels.

Q: Is Hemolok recommended for preventative use?

Official regulatory information specifies the product's frequency pattern as as-needed and single-application for acute episodes of bleeding. Therefore, it is not designated or intended for preventative use.

Q: How is the effectiveness of Hemolok measured in clinical trials?

Official studies measured effectiveness by monitoring key outcomes. These included the precise time interval required to attain hemostasis (when the bleeding stopped) and the measurement of localized blood loss volume at the application site.

Q: What is the difference between an adverse event and a side effect in Hemolok's labeling?

In regulatory documents, a side effect typically refers to an expected or known effect of the drug. An adverse event is a broader term for any unfavorable or unintended medical issue that occurs during or after use, regardless of whether it is confirmed to be caused by the product.

Q: Does Hemolok have a 'Black Box Warning' in the US?

The official safety profile is primarily defined by warnings related to localized discomfort and allergic potential. Official US labeling does not include the use of a Black Box Warning, which is the strongest type of regulatory warning used for serious safety concerns.

Q: Is it possible to become dependent on Hemolok?

As a topical agent used only for acute, external bleeding, Hemolok is not classified as a controlled substance. Official labeling does not include warnings about the risk of dependence or misuse associated with this product.

Q: Can I use Hemolok if I am already taking medicine for my blood pressure?

Due to the limited systemic absorption, regulatory assessments indicate there are no documented interactions between Hemolok and systemically acting medicines, including those used to manage blood pressure.

Q: What is the purpose of the patient guide that comes with Hemolok?

The patient guide provides the regulatory mandated information to the user. This is intended to help individuals understand how to properly administer the product, recognize potential side effects, and identify when they should seek professional medical advice.

Q: Is it normal to feel no change immediately after starting Hemolok?

Clinical research noted that the time required to achieve hemostasis varied and was observed over a period of minutes or a few hours. This suggests that the initial action may not always be instantly perceptible to the user, and that a short period of time may be necessary.

Q: Does Hemolok interact with any over-the-counter cold and flu medications?

Due to the limited systemic absorption and topical application, official documents indicate no documented interactions with systemically taken medications, including common over-the-counter cold and flu products.

Q: Does Hemolok carry any risk of affecting mental health or mood?

Regulatory assessments indicate that because Hemolok is applied strictly to the skin surface for localized action and has limited systemic absorption, official adverse reaction reports do not typically include effects on mental health or mood.

How should Hemolok be stored and disposed of?

The official labeling for Hemolok (Feracryl) topical preparations specifies strict requirements to maintain its chemical stability and ensure safety.

Storage & Disposal Scope

Item Official Regulatory Requirement
Labeled storage temperature requirements Must be stored in a cool place, maintained below 30 C [Source 2.7].
Light/moisture protection requirements Must be stored in a dry place and protected from direct sunlight [Source 2.7].
Child-protection storage requirements Must be stored out of the reach and sight of children [Source 2.7].
Disposal instructions Follow any specific instructions provided in the labeling; otherwise, mix with an undesirable substance (e.g., cat litter) and seal before discarding in household trash [Source 1.1].

Resulting Storage & Disposal Structure

Official storage and disposal statements:

  • The product must be stored in a cool and dry location, with the temperature maintained below 30 C.
  • Protection from direct sunlight is required during storage.
  • The product must be kept out of the reach and sight of children.

Connection to the overall storage/disposal profile:

Regulatory documents establish the storage requirements by mandating a maximum temperature and specifying protection from both light and moisture to prevent product degradation. Disposal is managed by requiring users to follow specific instructions on the label, or, if none are provided, by preparing the unused product for safe household disposal to prevent environmental and accidental exposure.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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