Tranexamic Acid
DRUG STATUS
Approvals
US(FDA)
Essential Medicine
N/A
Teratogenicity
N/A
Pharmaceutical Class
N/A
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Tranexamic Acid
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Click HereSummary
Tranexamic acid is primarily used to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding. It helps make periods lighter but doesn't stop them completely.
Tranexamic acid works by slowing down the body's process of breaking down blood clots, which helps lessen bleeding. You take it as a pill and your body gets rid of it through your kidneys.
For adults with healthy kidneys, the usual dose is three 1300mg pills per day, for a total of 3900mg daily, taken for up to five days during your period. The tablets are taken orally.
Common side effects include headaches, stuffy nose, backaches, stomach aches, and muscle or joint pain. More serious but rarer side effects include blood clots, allergic reactions, and eye problems.
Tranexamic acid shouldn't be used by women who can get pregnant and have allergies to it or who take birth control pills. It also shouldn't be used by anyone who's had blood clots. Serious side effects like blood clots in the eyes or lungs are possible and need immediate medical attention. Severe allergic reactions can also happen.
Indications and Purpose
What is Tranexamic Acid used for?
Tranexamic acid tablets help with very heavy periods that make it hard to do your daily things. They lessen bleeding by about a third, but won't stop your period completely or help with PMS. Take them only during your period, for up to 5 days. It's not a hormone and won't affect your ability to have children.
How does Tranexamic Acid work?
Tranexamic acid is a medicine that helps reduce heavy menstrual bleeding. It works by slowing down the body's process of breaking down blood clots, which lessens bleeding. It makes periods lighter, but doesn't stop them completely. You take it as a pill, and your body gets rid of it through your kidneys.
Is Tranexamic Acid effective?
Two separate studies compared tranexamic acid to a dummy pill (placebo) in women with very heavy periods. The studies included women aged 18-49, who had regular periods and heavier than average blood loss. The results showed tranexamic acid was effective in reducing heavy bleeding in these women.
How does one know if Tranexamic Acid is working?
Tranexamic acid's effectiveness is studied by looking at how the body processes it. Tests in teens showed that higher doses lead to more of the drug in the bloodstream. Other studies showed that people with kidney problems need different doses because their bodies get rid of the drug differently. Finally, taking the drug with food slightly increases the amount in the bloodstream.
Directions for Use
What is the usual dose of Tranexamic Acid?
For adults with healthy kidneys, the usual dose of tranexamic acid tablets is three 1300mg pills per day, for a total of 3900mg daily. Take this amount for up to five days during your period. People with kidney problems need a different dose. This information is only for adults; there's no information given for children.
How do I take Tranexamic Acid?
Take two pills three times a day, starting on the first day of your period. Don't take them for more than five days total, and don't take more than six pills in a whole day, whether that's all at once or spread throughout the day. It's okay to take them with or without food.
For how long do I take Tranexamic Acid?
Tranexamic acid tablets help with heavy bleeding during your period. Doctors usually say to take them for no more than 5 days each month, only when you're bleeding. Most people in studies only took them for about 3 days per period.
How long does it take for Tranexamic Acid to start working?
Tranexamic acid tablets help reduce heavy bleeding during your period. You take them only when you're bleeding, starting on the first day, and for five days. A study showed it works well to lessen blood loss.
How should I store Tranexamic Acid?
Keep the tranexamic acid tablets in a cool, dry place at normal room temperature, somewhere between 15°C and 30°C (that's 59°F and 86°F). Make sure kids can't get to them.
Warnings and Precautions
Who should avoid taking Tranexamic Acid?
Tranexamic acid is a medicine with some important safety concerns. It shouldn't be used by women who can get pregnant and have allergies to it, or who take birth control pills. It also shouldn't be used by anyone who's had blood clots. Serious side effects like blood clots in the eyes or lungs are possible and need immediate medical attention. Severe allergic reactions can also happen. Using it with birth control pills increases the risk of blood clots, especially for older, overweight women who smoke. If you have any problems with your vision, breathing trouble, or a tight throat, tell your doctor right away.
Can I take Tranexamic Acid with other prescription drugs?
Tranexamic acid shouldn't be taken with certain other medicines because it can increase the risk of blood clots. This includes birth control pills, some clot-busting drugs, and specific blood clotting medicines. It's also not a good idea to use it with a certain cancer treatment drug because it could make the blood clotting problem worse. If you're taking tranexamic acid and need one of these other medicines, talk to your doctor immediately.
Can I take Tranexamic Acid with vitamins or supplements?
Tranexamic acid tablets haven't been specifically tested with vitamins or supplements, so we don't know for sure if they interact. It's best to tell your doctor about *everything* you take, even vitamins, to be safe. They can check for any potential problems.
Can Tranexamic Acid be taken safely while pregnant?
Pregnant women shouldn't take tranexamic acid tablets because there's no research showing it's safe. There's a natural chance of problems like birth defects (2-4%) and miscarriage (15-20%) in any pregnancy, regardless of medication. Because of the lack of safety data, doctors don't recommend this medicine during pregnancy.
Can Tranexamic Acid be taken safely while breastfeeding?
If you're breastfeeding and need to take tranexamic acid, talk to your doctor. A small amount of the medicine may pass into your breast milk, but how much your baby would get is unclear. Your doctor can help you weigh the benefits of breastfeeding against any potential risks to your baby from the medicine.
Is Tranexamic Acid safe for the elderly?
Tranexamic acid can be safe for elderly patients when used appropriately, but caution is needed due to age-related risks like reduced kidney function and increased thrombotic risk. Dose adjustments may be required, and regular monitoring for side effects and renal function is essential. It should be avoided in patients with active thromboembolic disease or severe renal impairment. Always consult a healthcare provider for individual assessment.
Is it safe to exercise while taking Tranexamic Acid?
There is no information provided regarding the interaction between exercise and tranexamic acid.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Tranexamic Acid?
There is no specific information about alcohol consumption in the provided prescribing information. However, alcohol can sometimes worsen side effects like dizziness or fatigue. Talk to your healthcare provider about whether it is safe to drink alcohol while taking tranexamic acid.