Overview

Hirudotherapy (leech therapy) is a medical treatment that uses leeches (Hirudo medicinalis) to remove pooled or clotted blood for medical purposes.

Leeches are freshwater worms that suck blood. They secrete a natural blood thinner that helps keep the blood flowing and improves survival of wounded tissue.

Hirudotherapy is approved by the US FDA for healing skin grafts. Hirudotherapy is also used for osteoarthritis, leg sores caused by poor circulation, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these other uses.

Companies that raised and marketed leeches before 1976 in the US are permitted to continue doing so. But those marketing leeches after 1976 are required to get FDA approval.



Uses & Effectiveness

Likely Effective for

  • Skin grafts. Hirudotherapy is approved by the US FDA as a medical therapy for healing skin grafts.

Possibly Effective for

  • Osteoarthritis. Hirudotherapy seems to help reduce pain in people with osteoarthritis, especially in people with osteoarthritis of the knee.

There is interest in using hirudotherapy for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When applied to the skin: Hirudotherapy is likely safe when used appropriately by a medical professional. It is an FDA-approved medical therapy. Hirudotherapy is usually well-tolerated. Side effects might include itching, redness, swelling, and bleeding.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When applied to the skin: Hirudotherapy is likely safe when used appropriately by a medical professional. It is an FDA-approved medical therapy. Hirudotherapy is usually well-tolerated. Side effects might include itching, redness, swelling, and bleeding.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if hirudotherapy is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Interactions

We currently have no information for Hirudotherapy overview.

Dosing

Leeches used for hirudotherapy should only be applied by a qualified healthcare professional. The therapy usually involves applying 1-6 leeches to the skin and leaving them on the skin until they fall off. This often occurs after about 40 minutes. A gel made from leech saliva has also been applied to the skin for conditions involving pain. Be sure to seek and follow relevant directions from your physician or other healthcare professional before using this therapy.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
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