How does tranexamic acid work?
Tranexamic acid helps your body's natural blood clotting process. The blood clotting process plays an important part in stopping bleeding.
When you bleed, your body forms blood clots to stop the bleeding, using a protein called fibrin. To stop the clots from growing and causing problems the fibrin and clot are gradually broken down. This is called fibrinolysis.
Tranexamic acid is a type of medicine called an anti-fibrinolytic. It helps prevent fibrinolysis by stopping the fibrin from being broken down. This helps blood clots stay in place where they are needed.
How long does it take to work?
The length of time for tranexamic acid to work varies. It can take up to 24 hours for the medicine to take full effect.
Can I take it for a long time?
If you have regular nosebleeds or heavy periods you can take tranexamic acid long term, over several months or years. However, you'll usually take it just for a few days or a week at a time when the bleeding is a problem.
Are there similar medicines to tranexamic acid?
There are other medicines that are used to stop bleeding. However, they do not work in the same way as tranexamic acid.
Etamsylate can be prescribed for heavy periods, but it may not work as well as tranexamic acid and it's not licensed as a medicine in the UK.
Desmopressin is used for severe bleeding if you have haemophilia or von Willebrand disease, conditions that can make you bleed more easily.
Can tranexamic acid be used for skin discolouration?
Tranexamic acid has been tested to treat skin discolouration in people with hyperpigmentation (melasma).
However it's too early to know how well this works as a skin lightening treatment for hyperpigmentation. More research is needed before it can be recommended.
Will it affect my contraception?
Tranexamic acid does not affect any type of contraception, including the combined pill or emergency contraception.
However, talk to your doctor if you're taking the combined pill. There may be a very small increased risk of having a thrombosis (a blood clot inside a vein) if you also take tranexamic acid.
Can I drive or ride a bike?
Taking tranexamic acid will not affect your ability to drive a car or ride a bike.
Can I drink alcohol while taking tranexamic acid?
Yes, you can drink alcohol while taking tranexamic acid.
Is there any food or drink I need to avoid?
You can eat and drink normally while taking tranexamic acid.