What tranexamic acid is for

Tranexamic acid helps prevent or reduce bleeding. It can be used:

treat heavy periods
stop nosebleeds
prevent bleeding after some types of surgery or dental work, particularly if you have a condition such as haemophilia

How to take tranexamic acid

Tranexamic acid usually comes as tablets that you swallow whole with a glass of water.

How much you need to take and for how long depends on why you're taking it. You'll usually need to take it 2 to 3 times a day for a few days.

Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.

If you miss a dose of tranexamic acid

If you forget to take a dose of tranexamic acid, take it as soon as you remember unless it's nearly time for your next dose.

If it's nearly time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose at the usual time.

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a missed dose.

If you take too much tranexamic acid

Taking an extra dose of tranexamic acid is unlikely to cause problems, but it's important to get medical advice if you take too much as it can sometimes be dangerous.

Urgent advice: Speak to a pharmacist as soon as possible if:

you've taken more tranexamic acid than it says on the packet, leaflet or prescription

If you're unable to speak to a pharmacist, or you took too much of your medicine on purpose, call NHS 111.

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If you're told to go to A&E, do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring the tranexamic acid packet or leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine, and any other medicines you take.

Side effects of tranexamic acid

Like all medicines, tranexamic acid can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Common side effects

Common side effects of tranexamic acid include:

diarrhoea
feeling sick (nausea)
being sick (vomiting)

Tranexamic acid will not usually affect your ability to drive, ride a bike or use machinery.

Non-urgent advice: Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if:

you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away

They may be able to give you advice about how you can reduce the side effects.

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Serious side effects

Tranexamic acid can sometimes cause serious side effects, although most of them are rare.

Possible serious side effects of tranexamic acid include:

seizures (fits)
eye problems – causing symptoms such as loss of vision, bleeding in your eye or a change to your colour vision
pain and swelling in your legs or arms (this may be a sign of deep vein thrombosis), or sudden chest pain, difficulty breathing or coughing up blood (these may be signs of a pulmonary embolism)
a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – causing symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised, itchy rash or difficulty breathing

Immediate action required: Call 999 if:

you're taking tranexamic acid and have sudden loss of vision, or think you might have anaphylaxis or a pulmonary embolism

If you think you're having any other serious side effect, call NHS 111.

More about side effects

These are not all the side effects of tranexamic acid.

For a full list, see the leaflet that comes with your medicine or search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website.

You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card website

Who can and cannot take tranexamic acid

Most adults and children can take tranexamic acid.

But tranexamic acid is not suitable for everyone. For example, it may not be suitable if:

you've had an allergic reaction or other serious side effect from tranexamic acid before
your periods are not regular
you have had a blood clot before, or there's a history of blood clots in your family
you have kidney problems
you have a history of seizures (fits)
you have diabetes

Before taking tranexamic acid, tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions.

Breastfeeding and tranexamic acid

If you're breastfeeding, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using tranexamic acid.

It's rare for breastfed babies to get any side effects from medicine you're taking, but speak to a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your baby.

Pregnancy and tranexamic acid

Tell your doctor or dentist if you're pregnant or planning a pregnancy while taking tranexamic acid. They may recommend a different medicine.

Tranexamic acid is not usually used during pregnancy because it may affect how your baby develops. But a doctor or dentist may recommend it if the benefits outweigh the risks.

Find out more about taking tranexamic acid during pregnancy on the Bumps (Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy) website

Taking tranexamic acid with other medicines, food and drink

There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with tranexamic acid.

This includes:

medicines containing oestrogen, such as the combined pill or hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
medicines to lower the risk of blood clots (anticoagulants), such as warfarin
tamoxifen, a medicine used to treat breast cancer

Before taking tranexamic acid, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

Tranexamic acid