I heard that there are tablets & creams for treating varicose veins. are they effective? do they have side effects ?

Not really: These tablets perhaps flavinoids (hesperidin, diosomin) or horsechestnut may benfit in prevention or worsening but will not reverse the veins. Local creams may not be helpful but the placebo effect may give the impression thta things are improving.

Not particularly: There are any number of herbal remedies marketed for varicose veins, with little (if any) supporting evidence. If a person truly has symptomatic varicose veins, he or she should evaluation by a phlebologist or other physician who is committed to caring for vein disease. This can provide a better understanding and allow planning of real treatment.

Not much help: As the others have said, creams are of no benefit whatsoever. There are medicines that you can take by mouth that have been shown to have some effect on swelling due to varicose veins but there are none that are available in the us and they can't reverse the damage already done to your veins. I agree completely with what has been said, if you want to do something see a vein specialist.

Can relieve symptoms: There are available supplements to help relieve symptoms of varicose veins, most notably horse chestnut extract. But unfortunately these products do nothing to repair the underlying problem & the vein condition will continue to worsen without appropriate interventional therapy. Main side effect is potential nausea. Recommend that you seek vascular surgeon opinion to cure underlying vein disease.

Citrus bioflavonoids: I have written 2 books about these supplements and they are available for free on my website: 1) Diosmin and Citrus Bioflavonoids for Venous Insufficiency; and 2) Horse Chestnut Extract. I recommend both supplements in select patients with venous insufficiency.

None that works.: Varicose veins are due to leaking valves in the saphenous vein system. There is a strong hereditary component. There are many potential home remedies such as horse chestnut, witch hazel and certain kinds of berries and topical creams but none of these work. If you have varicose veins, then you should see a vein specialist for a f/u venous evaluation including a venous ultrasound.