Tranexamic Acid

About Tranexamic Acid

Tranexamic acid is an antifibrinolytic: it slows the breakdown of blood clots, which reduces menstrual blood loss without stopping the period. The label covers cyclic heavy menstrual bleeding in females of reproductive potential; it is not for use before the first period or after menopause, and other causes of heavy bleeding in the uterus are ruled out first. The usual dose is two 650 mg tablets three times a day, for no more than five days during each period, with lower doses when the kidneys work less well. This guide covers the tablets; Cyklokapron is an intravenous injection used in hemophilia around tooth extraction, not a pharmacy pickup.

There is no boxed warning. The main warning is blood clots: clots in veins and arteries, including blockages of the blood vessels of the retina, have been reported, so anyone with vision or eye symptoms stops it and sees an eye doctor. It must not be taken with active clotting disease, a history or inherent risk of clots, combined hormonal contraception, or an allergy to tranexamic acid. Severe allergic reactions can occur, ligneous conjunctivitis (an eye inflammation) has been reported, and people with bleeding around the brain may develop brain swelling or stroke. Common side effects include headache, nasal and sinus symptoms, back, abdominal, muscle and joint pain, muscle cramps, migraine, anemia and fatigue.

The kidneys clear nearly all of the drug unchanged, so the label sets lower daily doses based on serum creatinine. It is not indicated in pregnancy, and it passes into breast milk in small amounts. Tell the prescriber about periods that come less than 21 or more than 35 days apart, and about any planned surgery, including dental work.

Taking Tranexamic Acid

How to take it

Start when your period begins and take the dose three times a day, at about the same times, with or without food, for no more than five days in a cycle. Swallow the tablets whole, and do not take them when you are not having a period or take more than six tablets in a day.

If you miss a dose

Take it when you remember, then wait at least six hours before the next dose; if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Never take more than two tablets at once to make up for a missed dose.

Storage

At room temperature in the original container, tightly closed, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), out of reach of children.

Interactions to know about

Combined hormonal contraceptives must not be used with it. Clot-dissolving drugs such as alteplase reduce the effect of both drugs, and the label does not recommend use with factor IX complex concentrates, anti-inhibitor coagulant concentrates, or all-trans retinoic acid (tretinoin) for leukemia.

This summarizes the official prescribing information. Your prescriber’s and pharmacist’s instructions, and the leaflet that comes with your medicine, take priority.

Why the cash price for Tranexamic Acid differs from pharmacy to pharmacy

Generic tranexamic acid tablets come from several makers, but the drug is taken only a few days a month by a narrow group of patients, so not every pharmacy keeps it on the shelf or on a flat-price list. A pharmacy that orders it in for one prescription may quote it as a slow-moving item, while one that fills it regularly can quote much less for the same AB-rated tablet. A prescription that names Lysteda and blocks substitution is filled at a brand price.

Because the dose is six tablets a day for up to five days, the quantity on the prescription matters: a monthly fill and a fill covering several cycles carry different numbers of dispensing fees.

Ways to pay less for Tranexamic Acid without insurance

• Ask for generic substitution.
• Once the dose suits you, ask the prescriber whether the prescription can cover several cycles at once, so you pay fewer dispensing fees.
• Compare more than one pharmacy, since a pharmacy that rarely stocks it may quote it higher than one that fills it often.
• Ask for the fill before your period starts, so a pharmacy that does not keep it on the shelf has time to order it in.
• Upload the prescription to Script Unlock so licensed pharmacies can quote their cash price. You pay the pharmacy directly.

Questions to ask your pharmacist about Tranexamic Acid

1. 1.Is my birth control safe to use with tranexamic acid?
2. 2.Does my kidney function mean I need a lower dose?
3. 3.Which eye or leg symptoms mean I should stop it and call right away?
4. 4.Is the generic you stock rated equivalent to Lysteda?

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