5. Is there any drug to help lymphoedema?
Short answer
For children
There isn't a medicine that cures lymphoedema yet, but the things you already do — like compression and moving your body — work really well to keep it under control.
For parents & caregivers
No medicine currently cures lymphoedema, but good long-term management with compression, exercise and skin care can successfully control symptoms.
There isn't a medicine that cures lymphoedema yet, but the things you already do — like compression and moving your body — work really well to keep it under control.
For parents & caregivers
No medicine currently cures lymphoedema, but good long-term management with compression, exercise and skin care can successfully control symptoms.
Learn more ›
At present, there is no medication that can cure primary lymphoedema or restore normal lymphatic function. Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat or prevent recurrent cellulitis (a bacterial skin infection) in some children, but they don't treat the lymphoedema itself. Researchers are studying new medicines, but none are currently recommended as routine treatment for children.
A few commonly used medicines are known to potentially worsen swelling, and are worth being aware of if your child is ever prescribed them — these include some corticosteroids, NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen) and calcium-channel blockers used for blood pressure. Diuretics ("water tablets") should never be used to treat lymphoedema itself. If your child needs any new medicine for another condition, it's always worth checking with your lymphoedema team whether it could affect their swelling.
A few commonly used medicines are known to potentially worsen swelling, and are worth being aware of if your child is ever prescribed them — these include some corticosteroids, NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen) and calcium-channel blockers used for blood pressure. Diuretics ("water tablets") should never be used to treat lymphoedema itself. If your child needs any new medicine for another condition, it's always worth checking with your lymphoedema team whether it could affect their swelling.