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Tranexamic acid oral tablets

Tranexamic acid is a medication that stops blood clots from breaking down or delays the process. It treats heavy menstrual bleeding. This medication comes in a tablet form that you can take by mouth with a glass of water as directed. Brand names of this medication are Cyklokapron® and Lysteda®.

What is this medication?

TRANEXAMIC ACID (TRAN ex AM ik AS id) slows down or stops blood clots from being broken down. This medicine is used to treat heavy monthly menstrual bleeding.

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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Cyklokapron, Lysteda

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • bleeding in the brain
  • blood clotting problems
  • kidney disease
  • vision problems
  • an unusual allergic reaction to tranexamic acid, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not cut, crush, or chew this medicine. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Do not take this medicine until your period has started. Do not take it for more than 5 days in a row. Do not take this medicine when you do not have your period.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for female children as young as 12 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

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NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then, take your next dose at least 6 hours later. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

  • estrogens
  • birth control pills, patches, injections, rings or other devices that contain both an estrogen and a progestin

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • certain medicines used to help your blood clot
  • tretinoin (taken by mouth)

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if you notice any eye problems while taking this medicine. Your doctor will refer you to an eye doctor who will examine your eyes.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
  • breathing difficulties
  • changes in vision
  • sudden or severe pain in the chest, legs, head, or groin
  • unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • back pain
  • headache
  • muscle or joint aches
  • sinus and nasal problems
  • stomach pain
  • tiredness

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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