Tranexamic acid

Sounds like 'tran-ex-am-ik ass-id'

Key points about tranexamic acid

Tranexamic acid is used to reduce or stop heavy bleeding.
Tranexamic acid is also called Cyklokapron®.
Find out how to take it safely and possible side effects.

HN 0789 female pharmacist working in dispensary of community pharmacy 1

Tranexamic acid is used to reduce or stop heavy bleeding caused by heavy menstrual periods, nose bleeds, dental procedures or surgery (operations).

Tranexamic acid works by slowing the breakdown of clots. When you bleed, your body forms blood clots to stop the bleeding. In some people these clots break down (or dissolve), causing too much bleeding.

By slowing the breakdown of clots, tranexamic acid prevents further bleeding.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, tranexamic acid is available as tablets (500 mg) and can also be given as an injection in the hospital. It’s available with a prescription written by a prescriber.

The dose of tranexamic will be different depending on its use. You usually only need to take tranexamic acid for a short time.
The usual dose of tranexamic acid for adults is 2 or 3 tablets taken two or three times a day.
Some people may need higher doses.
Your healthcare provider will advise you how many days to take tranexamic acid for.
Always take your tranexamic acid exactly as your healthcare provider has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much tranexamic acid to take, how often to take it, and any special instructions.

Timing: Take your tranexamic acid tablets at the same times each day.
Water: Swallow your tablets with a glass of water.
Food: You can take tranexamic acid with or without food.
Missed dose: If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember, but if it's nearly time for your next dose, just take the next dose at the usual time. Don't take double the dose.
Other medicines: Tranexamic acid interacts with some medicines, herbal supplements and rongoā Māori, so check with your healthcare provider before starting tranexamic acid and before starting any new products.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding: Talk to your healthcare provider if you're pregnant, planning a pregnancy or want to breastfeed.

Like all medicines tranexamic acid can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. If you're concerned about any symptoms you think might be related to your medicine, talk to your healthcare provider. The following information offers some guidance but doesn't include all possible side effects.

Common side effects

Tell your healthcare provider if these side effects bother you.

Nausea (feeling sick), vomiting (being sick).
A sore stomach or diarrhoea (runny poo).

Tell your healthcare provider immediately or phone Healthline free on 0800 611 116 if these occur

Problems with your eyesight such as changes in your colour vision.
Signs of clots in the legs or the lung such as swelling, redness or cramping in the legs, or shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or chest pain.

Phone 111 for an ambulance or go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) clinic if these occur

Signs of an allergic reaction such as itchy skin, and rash, swollen lips or tongue, problems breathing, like a tight chest or shortness of breath.

Heavy periods
Nosebleed
Von Willebrand disease

The following links have more information on tranexamic acid:

Tranexamic acid tablets(external link) Medsafe Consumer Medicine Information, NZ
Tranexamic acid (tablet)(external link) New Zealand Formulary Patient Information