Experiences with

Tranexamic Acid

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 is available 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 over.

Who can take tranexamic acid

Most adults and children of all ages can take tranexamic acid if it's prescribed by a doctor.

Adults aged 18 years old and over can also take tranexamic acid bought from a pharmacy without a prescription for treating heavy periods.

Who may not be able to take tranexamic acid

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

• have ever had an allergic reaction to tranexamic acid or any other medicine
• have ever had a blood clot in a vein (deep vein thrombosis) or in your lungs (pulmonary embolism)
• 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

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.

Changes to your dose

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.

How to take it

You can take tranexamic acid tablets or liquid with or without food.

Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water.

If you're taking the liquid, it will come with a plastic syringe or spoon to help you measure out the right dose. If you do not have a syringe or spoon, ask your pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not measure the right amount.

If you've been told to take the tablets or liquid 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.

How long to take it for

Tranexamic acid is usually used for a short time to treat bleeding. You'll usually take this medicine for 4 days for heavy periods, or for 7 days to treat other bleeding that does not stop by itself.

If you have a condition such as hereditary angioedema you may need to take it when needed, for example when you have a procedure such as dental treatment.

If you forget to take it

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.

If you take too much

Taking 1 extra dose of tranexamic acid 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 feeling dizzy. Speak to your doctor if you're worried or if these side effects are troubling you.

you've taken more than the recommended dose of tranexamic acid and:

• you get problems with your eyesight
• one of your legs or arms is painful, swollen, red and warm to touch

Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111 . Call 111 if you need advice for a child under 5 years.

• you've taken more than the recommended dose of tranexamic acid and you suddenly get shortness of breath, or a sharp pain in your chest, and start coughing or coughing up blood – these could be signs of a blood clot in your lungs

If you need to go to A&E, do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring the tranexamic acid packet or leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine, and any other medicines you take.

Common side effects

There are no common side effects with tranexamic acid tablets, liquid or mouthwash.

Serious side effects

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

Call 111 for advice now if:

• you get problems with your eyesight
• one of your legs or arms is painful, swollen, red and warm to touch – this may be a sign of a blood clot

• you suddenly get shortness of breath, or a very sharp pain in your chest, and start coughing or coughing up blood – this may be a sign of a blood clot in your lungs (pulmonary embolism)

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.

Tranexamic acid and pregnancy

Tranexamic acid is not often recommended in pregnancy but it can be taken if needed. Only take it if it's been prescribed by a doctor.

If you're pregnant or trying to get pregnant, speak to your doctor. They may want to review your medicine.

You may sometimes be given tranexamic acid after your baby is born. You may need it if you have too much bleeding around the time of the birth, or if you have a problem with your blood that makes you more likely to bleed. Your maternity team will be able to explain this.

Tranexamic acid and breastfeeding

If your doctor, midwife or health visitor says your baby is healthy, it's OK to take tranexamic acid if you're breastfeeding.

There is not much information about taking tranexamic acid while breastfeeding, but it shows that tranexamic acid passes into breast milk in very small amounts, and does not usually cause any side effects in babies.

Talk to your health visitor, midwife, doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you have any concerns about your baby. This includes if they're:

• not feeding as well as usual
• being more restless than usual
• being sick or have diarrhoea

Tranexamic acid and fertility

There's no evidence to suggest that taking tranexamic acid reduces fertility in either men or women.

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 contraceptive 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's not enough information to say that complementary medicines, herbal remedies and supplements are safe to take with tranexamic acid. They're not tested in the same way as pharmacy and prescription medicines. They're generally not tested for the effect they have on other medicines.

Related links

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