HealthUnlockedHealthUnlocked
AboutLog in

Experiences with

Tranexamic Acid

About

Tranexamic acid (sometimes shortened to txa) is a medicine that controls bleeding. It helps your blood to clot and is used for nosebleeds and heavy periods.

If you're having a tooth taken out, using tranexamic acid mouthwash can help stop bleeding.

Tranexamic acid can also help if you have a condition that causes swelling under the skin (hereditary angioedema).

If you have any condition that causes you to bleed more than usual, you may need to take tranexamic acid for a few days before having surgery or dental surgery.

Tranexamic acid comes on prescription as:

  • tablets
  • liquid – for children and people who cannot swallow tablets
  • mouthwash
  • injections – usually only given in hospital

Tranexamic acid tablets for heavy periods are also available to buy from pharmacies, for adults aged 18 and above.

Key facts

  • You'll usually take tranexamic acid for a few days at a time.
  • You can take the tablets with or without food.
  • Most people do not have any side effects when taking tranexamic acid.
  • If you also take the combined contraceptive pill ("the pill"), there's an increased risk of DVT (deep vein thrombosis) with tranexamic acid.
  • Brand names include Cyklokapron, Cyklo-F and Menstralite.

Who can and cannot take tranexamic acid

Tranexamic acid can be prescribed for adults and children of all ages.

Tranexamic acid is not suitable for some people. To make sure tranexamic acid is safe for you, tell your doctor before taking this medicine if you:

  • have had an allergic reaction to tranexamic acid or any other medicine in the past
  • have ever had a DVT (deep vein thrombosis) or pulmonary embolism (blocked blood vessel in your lungs)
  • have had a coagulopathy (a rare condition where lots of small blood clots form in your blood followed by abnormal bleeding)
  • have epilepsy
  • have kidney problems
  • are pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • have irregular periods – this is so your doctor can check what is causing the irregular bleeding and recommend the best treatment for you

How and when to take it

If you are prescribed tranexamic acid tablets, you can take them with or without food.

If you've been told to take the tablets 3 or 4 times a day, try to space the doses evenly throughout the day.

If your dentist has prescribed tranexamic mouthwash, this might come as a ready-made mouthwash or as a tablet that you mix with water. Follow the instructions that come with your medicine.

Dosage

Tranexamic acid comes as 500mg tablets. For adults the usual dose is 2 or 3 tablets, taken 3 times a day. Doses are usually lower for people with kidney problems.

The liquid comes in different strengths. Follow the instructions on the label to make sure you take the right dose.

If your child is prescribed tranexamic acid, the doctor will use your child's weight or age to work out the right dose.

Will my dose go up or down?

Most people taking tranexamic acid take 2 tablets (1,000mg), 3 times a day. If this is not working well enough to control your bleeding, your doctor may tell you to take 2 tablets 4 times day.

What if I forget to take a dose?

If you forget to take your dose of tranexamic acid, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and take the next one at the usual time.

Do not take 2 doses at the same time. Never take an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one.

If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask a pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.

What if I take too much?

Taking 1 extra dose of tranexamic acid by accident is unlikely to harm you.

However, if you take too much you may get side effects. These can include feeling or being sick, diarrhoea and dizziness. Speak to your doctor if you're worried or if these side effects are troubling you.

Side effects

Like all medicines, tranexamic acid can cause side effects although not everyone gets them.

Common side effects

There are no common side effects with tranexamic acid tablets.

If you have an injection of tranexamic acid, you are more likely to have side effects. These include:

  • feeling sick (nausea)
  • diarrhoea
  • itchy red skin

Serious side effects

Serious side effects are rare and happen in less than 1 in 1,000 people.

Serious allergic reaction

In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to tranexamic acid.

These are not all the side effects of tranexamic acid. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicines packet.

You can report any suspected side effect to the UK safety scheme.

How to cope with side effects

What to do about:

  • feeling sick (nausea) – if you feel sick after having the injection, it may help if you avoid rich or spicy food. If it carries on, or the effects are severe, tell your doctor. They may be able to prescribe an extra medicine to help with these symptoms.
  • diarrhoea – if you get diarrhoea after having the injection, drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if it carries on. Sometimes reducing the dose helps.
  • itchy red skin (where you had the injection) – apply a soothing cream such as a moisturiser, anti-itch cream or lotion. If the rash is dark red, gets worse or carries on for more than a few days, speak to your doctor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Tranexamic acid is not usually recommended if you are pregnant. This is because there is not enough information to say whether it's safe. However, your doctor may prescribe it if they think the benefits of the medicine outweigh the risks.

If you're pregnant or trying for a baby, talk to your doctor about the benefits and possible risks of taking tranexamic acid.

Tranexamic acid and breastfeeding

Small amounts of tranexamic acid may get into breast milk. However, this medicine is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers and babies.

Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about taking tranexamic acid while you're breastfeeding.

Cautions with other medicines

Tranexamic acid can be taken with most other medicines.

However, talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you're taking the combined pill. There could be a very small increased risk of getting a blood clot if you take tranexamic acid as well.

Mixing tranexamic acid with herbal remedies or supplements

There is not enough research to say whether herbal remedies or supplements are safe to take with tranexamic acid. This is because they are not tested in the same way as prescription medicines.

Important

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you're taking any other medicines, including herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

Common questions

HealthUnlocked contains information from NHS Digital, licensed under the current version of the Open Government Licence

  • Posts

  • Communities

2,938 public posts

Tranexamic acid?

🙂 So I have just been prescribed tranexamic acid for my suspected endometriosis. We are not 100% sure if I have it but I do have a lot of symptoms. I was just wondering if anybody else had been prescribed this and what were your thoughts? Thank you so much, E. x
🙂 So I have just been prescribed tranexamic acid for my suspected endometriosis. We are not 100% sure if I have it but I do have a lot of symptoms. I was just wondering if anybody else had been prescribed this and what were your thoughts? Thank you so much, E. x
Blossom223
in Endometriosis UK

Period pain

Used 35 napkins Taking tranexamic acid for bleeding. Says for four days only, I only took twice a day. Any advice, passed a clot size of two cherry tomatoes. I used to used 59 napkins per cycle
Used 35 napkins Taking tranexamic acid for bleeding. Says for four days only, I only took twice a day. Any advice, passed a clot size of two cherry tomatoes. I used to used 59 napkins per cycle
Bluelady-sing
in Pelvic Pain Support Network

Mefanamic acid or cocodomol?

I was recently prescribed mefanamic acid and tranexamic acid. So I took the tranexamic acid whilst on my period which reduced my heavy bleed (thank goodness, as I've been iron anaemic and need transfusions) I'm just wondering for pain during / after period, will mefanamic acid help?
I was recently prescribed mefanamic acid and tranexamic acid. So I took the tranexamic acid whilst on my period which reduced my heavy bleed (thank goodness, as I've been iron anaemic and need transfusions) I'm just wondering for pain during / after period, will mefanamic acid help?
Joanne-L
in Endometriosis UK
Want to take advantage of all our features? Just log in!
or

Mefanamic acid or cocodomol?

I was recently prescribed mefanamic acid and tranexamic acid. So I took the tranexamic acid whilst on my period which reduced my heavy bleed (thank goodness, as I've been iron anaemic and need transfusions) I'm just wondering for pain during / after period, will mefanamic acid help?
I was recently prescribed mefanamic acid and tranexamic acid. So I took the tranexamic acid whilst on my period which reduced my heavy bleed (thank goodness, as I've been iron anaemic and need transfusions) I'm just wondering for pain during / after period, will mefanamic acid help?
Joanne-L
in Endometriosis UK

Looking for Advice

I've also tried Tranexamic Acid tablets which did not help. Feeling a bit miserable and useless with it all. I knew it would be trickier for me to concieve but I feel like I'm not even getting the chance to try.
I've also tried Tranexamic Acid tablets which did not help. Feeling a bit miserable and useless with it all. I knew it would be trickier for me to concieve but I feel like I'm not even getting the chance to try.
GiJeDe
in PCOS UK (Verity)

Bleeding and on Tablets ☹ I'm getting worried

But im taking Noristorone and Tranexamic Acid. Both should help with the bleeding. I've been told by my GP to carry on taking them as I'm anemic. I've had one iron infusion I have another this Tuesday. I'm just more worried about the bleeding, Also my urine is very frothy and I also wee red urine.
But im taking Noristorone and Tranexamic Acid. Both should help with the bleeding. I've been told by my GP to carry on taking them as I'm anemic. I've had one iron infusion I have another this Tuesday. I'm just more worried about the bleeding, Also my urine is very frothy and I also wee red urine.
Sam38
in Endometriosis UK

Tranexamic acid

What’s your experience of Tranexamic Acid? I’m currently on week 5 of heavy period after coming off everything a year ago. Had coil removed and stopped Zoladex injections to give my body a break from over 10 years of drugs. I wish I hadn’t.
What’s your experience of Tranexamic Acid? I’m currently on week 5 of heavy period after coming off everything a year ago. Had coil removed and stopped Zoladex injections to give my body a break from over 10 years of drugs. I wish I hadn’t.
Hidden
in Endometriosis UK

How long for MRI results?

Currently taking tranexamic acid every period to help with the excessive bleeding, and still classed as provisionally diagnosed; dependent on MRI results they said it will then be the lap. Also, urology - does that mean that it may be affecting my bladder?
Currently taking tranexamic acid every period to help with the excessive bleeding, and still classed as provisionally diagnosed; dependent on MRI results they said it will then be the lap. Also, urology - does that mean that it may be affecting my bladder?
potter17
in Women with Endometriosis

Advice please

Recently prescribed mefenamic acid and tranexamic acid , I'm due my period on monday (or whenever it turns up ) I get constant pain so I'm wondering when do I take these mefenamic acid pills as it just states a few days before period, I'm in pain all atime so when will I take them and are they to stop
Recently prescribed mefenamic acid and tranexamic acid , I'm due my period on monday (or whenever it turns up ) I get constant pain so I'm wondering when do I take these mefenamic acid pills as it just states a few days before period, I'm in pain all atime so when will I take them and are they to stop
Jaye75
in Endometriosis UK

Tranexamic Acid & Mefanamic Acid

I have been prescribed both for heavy periods and suspected endo! Doctor told me to start both as soon as bleeding starts! She advised the tranexamic is to reduce the bleeding, however my heaviest days are days 1-3. Surely day 1 im still going to be so heavy as the tablets won't have enough time to get
I have been prescribed both for heavy periods and suspected endo! Doctor told me to start both as soon as bleeding starts! She advised the tranexamic is to reduce the bleeding, however my heaviest days are days 1-3. Surely day 1 im still going to be so heavy as the tablets won't have enough time to get
Joanne-L
in Endometriosis UK

Pill causing more pain?

I spoke to a nurse in my gp clinic who prescribed me Tranexamic acid to stop the bleeding and told me to pop some ibuprofen! I’m already on a naproxen co-codamol cocktail!! I’m waiting to hear back from my consultant to see if he has any advice!
I spoke to a nurse in my gp clinic who prescribed me Tranexamic acid to stop the bleeding and told me to pop some ibuprofen! I’m already on a naproxen co-codamol cocktail!! I’m waiting to hear back from my consultant to see if he has any advice!
nats0802
in Endometriosis UK

I need your experience

So I taken 2 pill on the same day and Tranexamic Acid (500mg) 2 per day for 2 days. 3rd period stop completely. This experience was first time for me. I'm really shocked because I'm on the pill I'm did not missing any pill.
So I taken 2 pill on the same day and Tranexamic Acid (500mg) 2 per day for 2 days. 3rd period stop completely. This experience was first time for me. I'm really shocked because I'm on the pill I'm did not missing any pill.
Nikilll
in Endometriosis UK

In Pain after 3 hysteroscopies in 6 weeks, and now have my period - Yay

I started taking anti bleeding tablets about 10 years ago, tranexamic acid, hard to spell! I don’t think they make a huge difference, as most months I get through 40 pads During my periods and they last for 9 days if I’m lucky, 14 if I’m extra special! If I sound pissed off, I am!
I started taking anti bleeding tablets about 10 years ago, tranexamic acid, hard to spell! I don’t think they make a huge difference, as most months I get through 40 pads During my periods and they last for 9 days if I’m lucky, 14 if I’m extra special! If I sound pissed off, I am!
Roberta1980
in Endometriosis UK

Period Won't Stop!

Was put on Tranexamic Acid to stop the bleeding which was a life saver. Had a transvaginal scan and all was okay (apart from my cysts which I am aware of!) I then didn't have a period until August, which was a normal 4 days. And again the same in September.
Was put on Tranexamic Acid to stop the bleeding which was a life saver. Had a transvaginal scan and all was okay (apart from my cysts which I am aware of!) I then didn't have a period until August, which was a normal 4 days. And again the same in September.
Mouse87
in PCOS UK (Verity)

Just wondering if anyone has had similar......

I called the consultant secretary as having no luck with GP and they are giving me tranexamic acid. Has anyone else had this? Will it help with the bleeding? No one really tells me anything to be honest!. TiA x
I called the consultant secretary as having no luck with GP and they are giving me tranexamic acid. Has anyone else had this? Will it help with the bleeding? No one really tells me anything to be honest!. TiA x
cazl39
in Endometriosis UK

Confused and looking for guidance

(Not helpful) I have heavy and sometimes extremely painful periods (take tranexamic acid to lighten them) they appear early or sometimes up to a week late durin my period my bowl movements are awful (tmi) I get a lot of leg cramp nausea and head aches.
(Not helpful) I have heavy and sometimes extremely painful periods (take tranexamic acid to lighten them) they appear early or sometimes up to a week late durin my period my bowl movements are awful (tmi) I get a lot of leg cramp nausea and head aches.
Link4zelda
in Endometriosis UK

Confused and looking for guidance

(Not helpful) I have heavy and sometimes extremely painful periods (take tranexamic acid to lighten them) they can appear a few days early or up to a week late! durin my period my bowl movements are awful (tmi) I get a lot of leg cramp nausea and head aches.
(Not helpful) I have heavy and sometimes extremely painful periods (take tranexamic acid to lighten them) they can appear a few days early or up to a week late! durin my period my bowl movements are awful (tmi) I get a lot of leg cramp nausea and head aches.
Link4zelda
in PCOS UK (Verity)

Struggling with getting a diagnosis

She told me that I 'just have heavy periods', and that I need the pill (she pushed the Mirena coil on me again) she also prescribed again tranexamic acid. I apparently have to try hormonal intervention for 3 months before she will do anything else.
She told me that I 'just have heavy periods', and that I need the pill (she pushed the Mirena coil on me again) she also prescribed again tranexamic acid. I apparently have to try hormonal intervention for 3 months before she will do anything else.
Cazaroth
in Endometriosis UK

Help with blood results

GP has prescribed Tranexamic Acid tablets which are starting to work, and I’ve just had another blood test. My haemoglobin is 105. The GP told me that once the bleeding has stopped, my level will go back to ‘normal’ and stated that it’s only slightly lower than my results in June 19 which were 110.
GP has prescribed Tranexamic Acid tablets which are starting to work, and I’ve just had another blood test. My haemoglobin is 105. The GP told me that once the bleeding has stopped, my level will go back to ‘normal’ and stated that it’s only slightly lower than my results in June 19 which were 110.
Boon79
in Thyroid UK

6 weeks of heavy bleeding

GP has tried norethisterone didn’t work & tranexamic acid which has slowed it down but finished last ones yesterday & started bleeding again today😩 think I’m going to have to call GP again to see if there’s anything else they can do. Has anyone else had this issue?
GP has tried norethisterone didn’t work & tranexamic acid which has slowed it down but finished last ones yesterday & started bleeding again today😩 think I’m going to have to call GP again to see if there’s anything else they can do. Has anyone else had this issue?
Hidden
in Endometriosis UK
  • 1
  • 2
  • ...
  • 100
  • Next page
  • 10
  • 20
  • 30
  • 40
  • 50
  • 60
  • 70
  • 80
  • 90
  • 100
Filter results
Posted in
Sort by
HealthUnlocked
© 2021 All rights reserved.
App store
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Average rating: 4.8

Company

About Us

Our Team

Partner with us

Careers

Blog

Product

Health terms A to Z

Communities A to Z

iPhone app

Start a Community

Support

Help Centre

Community Guidelines

Contact us

Cookies settings

App store
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Average rating: 4.8
TermsPrivacySecurityCookies