Uses
This medication is used short-term in people with a certain type of bleeding disorder (hemophilia) to prevent and reduce bleeding from having a tooth pulled (extraction). It is also used in people with other high-risk bleeding conditions to control bleeding at such times as after surgery or an injury, during heavy nosebleeds, or during heavy menstrual bleeding.
Tranexamic acid works by helping the blood clot normally to prevent and stop prolonged bleeding. It belongs to a class of drugs known as anti-fibrinolytics.
How To Use
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 2 to 4 times daily.
The dosage and length of treatment is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Dosage is also based on your weight. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or take it for a longer time than prescribed.
Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.
Side Effects
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or dizziness 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:
Although unlikely, this medication may cause serious blood clot problems and vision changes. Get medical help right away if any of these very serious side effects occur:
- chest/jaw/left arm pain
- sudden shortness of breath
- coughing up blood
- fainting
- pain/swelling/warmth in the groin/calf
- swelling/weakness/redness/pain in the arms/legs
- confusion
- trouble speaking
- weakness on one side of the body
- vision changes (such as color vision changes, loss of vision)
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.
Precautions
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:
- blood clots (such as in the legs, lungs, brain, eye)
- bleeding in the brain (subarachnoid hemorrhage)
- color vision problems
- a certain serious blood clotting problem (disseminated intravascular coagulation-DIC)
- kidney problems (including blood in the urine)
- irregular menstrual bleeding of unknown cause
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
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 breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
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
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. Low-dose aspirin should be continued if prescribed by your doctor for specific medical reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (usually 81-162 milligrams a day). Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Overdose
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe dizziness, vomiting.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as eye exams) should be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
Missed Dose
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.
If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Storage
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.
Medical Alert
Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
