Tranexamic Acid
What is TRANEXAMIC ACID?
(TRANEXAMIC ACID) This medication is used to treat heavy bleeding during your menstrual period. Tranexamic acid works by slowing the breakdown of blood clots, which helps to prevent prolonged bleeding. It belongs to a class of drugs known as antifibrinolytics. Tranexamic acid is not a hormone. It does not treat other menstrual or pre-menstrual symptoms. It does not stop your period. It is not a form of birth control and does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
How should I use TRANEXAMIC ACID?
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking tranexamic acid and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 3 times a day. Swallow this medication whole. Do not crush or chew. Wait until your period has started before taking your first dose. Do not take tranexamic acid for more than 5 days in a row. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Tell your doctor if there is a change in your bleeding pattern or heavy bleeding lasts or gets worse.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take TRANEXAMIC ACID?
Before taking tranexamic acid, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: bleeding in the brain (subarachnoid hemorrhage), history of blood clots (such as in the legs, lung, brain, eye), certain heart diseases (irregular heartbeat, heart valve problems), blood clotting problems, kidney problems (including blood in the urine), irregular menstrual bleeding of unknown cause. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). This medication is usually used during your menstrual period. It is unlikely to be used during pregnancy. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
What may interact with TRANEXAMIC ACID?
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: "blood thinners" (anticoagulants such as warfarin, heparin), drugs that prevent bleeding (including factor IX complex, anti-inhibitor coagulant concentrates), estrogens, hormonal birth control (such as pills, patch, ring), tibolone, tretinoin. Check all prescription and nonprescription medicine labels carefully since many medications contain pain relievers/fever reducers (NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen) that may increase your risk of bleeding. However, if your doctor has told you to take low-dose aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke (usually 81-162 milligrams a day), you should keep taking the aspirin unless your doctor tells you not to. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
What if I miss a dose of TRANEXAMIC ACID?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
What side effects may I notice from receiving TRANEXAMIC ACID?
See also How to use section. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle pain may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: eye/eyelid problems. Although unlikely, this medication may cause serious blood clot problems. Stop taking tranexamic acid and get medical help right away if any of these very serious side effects occur: coughing up blood, fainting, chest/jaw/left arm pain, pain/swelling/warmth in the groin/calf, swelling/weakness/redness/pain in the arms/legs, signs of a stroke (such as weakness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, sudden vision changes, confusion), vision changes (such as color vision changes, decreased vision/blindness). A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Where should I keep TRANEXAMIC ACID?
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.