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Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Tranexamic Acid

(tran'' ex am' ik) (as' id)

Brand Name(s): Lysteda®

WHY is this medicine prescribed?

Tranexamic acid is used to treat heavy bleeding during the menstrual cycle (monthly periods) in women. Tranexamic acid is in a class of medications called antifibrinolytics. It works to improve blood clotting.

Are there OTHER USES for this medicine?

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

HOW should this medicine be used?

Tranexamic acid comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food three times a day for up to 5 days during monthly menstruation. You should begin taking this medication each month when your period starts. Do not take tranexamic acid when you do not have a period. Take tranexamic acid at around the same times every day you are to receive a dose. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take tranexamic acid exactly as directed. Do not take tranexamic acid tablets for more than 5 days in a menstrual cycle or take more than 6 tablets in a 24 hour period of time.

Swallow the tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.

Tranexamic acid is used to decrease the amount of blood lost during your monthly period but does not stop menstrual bleeding. Call your doctor if your bleeding does not improve or gets worse during your treatment.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?

Before taking tranexamic acid,

  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to tranexamic acid, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in tranexamic acid tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.

  • tell your doctor if you are taking hormonal contraceptives (birth control pills, patches, rings, and injections). Your doctor will probably tell you not to take tranexamic acid if you are taking this medication.

  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: certain medications used to improve blood clotting including Factor IX complex concentrate (AlphaNine SD, Bebulin VH, Benefix, Mononine, Profilmine SD) and activated prothrombin complex concentrate (Feiba NF); and tretinoin. Tell your doctor you are taking tranexamic acid if you will be receiving medications to treat blood clots, including tissue plasminogen activators such as alteplase (Activase) and reteplase (Retavase). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.

  • tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease. Also tell your doctor if the time between the start of your menstrual periods is less than 21 days or more than 35 days.

  • tell your doctor if you have or have ever had a blood clot, if you have a blood clotting condition, or if you have been told you are at risk of having a blood clot. Your doctor will probably tell you not to take tranexamic acid.

  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking tranexamic acid, call your doctor.

What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I do IF I FORGET to take a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it, but then take your next dose at least 6 hours later. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take more than two tablets at a time to make up for a missed dose.

What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?

Tranexamic acid may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

  • headache
  • tiredness
  • sinus pain
  • back pain
  • stomach pain
  • bone, joint, or muscle pain

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking tranexamic acid and call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

  • hives
  • rash
  • itching
  • difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
  • hoarseness
  • changes in vision, including color vision
  • chest pain
  • shortness of breath
  • leg pain, swelling, tenderness, redness, or warmth

Tranexamic acid may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

What should I know about STORAGE and DISPOSAL of this medication?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

What should I do in case of OVERDOSE?

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include the following:

  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • dizziness
  • changes in vision
  • changes in behavior or mood
  • uncontrollable shaking or twitching of a part of your body
  • rash

What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

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