A big problem for many women is heavy bleeding during their monthly periods. Because of this, there are times when you can't even do your daily activities and are constantly thinking about your clothes, which makes you feel very uncomfortable, right? So today we are talking about a special medicine that doctors recommend for this kind of situation. That is Tranexamic acid.
What is Tranexamic acid?
Simply put, this is a medicine that slows down the rate at which blood clots dissolve in our body. Now imagine, when we have a wound in our body, the bleeding stops because the blood clots and closes the wound. During menstruation, a similar process occurs to control the bleeding from the walls of the uterus.
So, when some people bleed heavily, this medicine works by slowing down the dissolution of blood clots and reducing the amount of blood that comes out of the uterus. It is mainly used to treat heavy menstrual bleeding . But doctors may also prescribe it for other conditions. Talk to your doctor about it.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before your doctor prescribes this medication, you should definitely tell them if you have any of these conditions. This is very important for your safety.
- If you have blood clotting problems (e.g. blood clots in the legs, lungs or brain - (Deep Vein Thrombosis, Pulmonary Embolism)).
- If you have had a previous brain hemorrhage .
- If you have kidney disease .
- If you have any vision impairment or color vision changes.
- If you have any allergies to Tranexamic acid or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
Do not hide this information from your doctor, as these facts are very important in deciding whether this medicine is right for you or not.
How exactly do you use this medicine?
For a medicine to work properly, it must be taken exactly as prescribed.
- Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not break, crush, or chew the tablet.
- If you feel an upset stomach, take it with food. Or it doesn't matter whether you take it before or after a meal.
- Most importantly: Don't drink this until your period starts. You should drink it after your period starts.
- Do not take this medicine for more than 5 days in a row.
- Do not take this medicine on days when you are not menstruating.
- Doctors sometimes recommend this medication for children over the age of 12. However, it is your doctor who should advise you on this.
What if you take too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, do not panic and immediately go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What if I miss a dose of medicine?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember and wait at least 6 hours before taking your next dose. Never take a double dose.
What other medications are incompatible with this medicine?
Some medications can cause problems when taken together. So you should tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking. There are a few medications that you should be especially careful with when taking tranexamic acid.
| Drug category | Description and examples |
|---|---|
| Medicines not to be taken (Do NOT Take With) | Birth control methods: Birth control pills, patches, injections, or rings that contain both the hormones estrogen and progestin can greatly increase the risk of blood clots when taken together. |
| Medicines to be used with caution (Use with Caution) | Other medications that help blood clot: Ask your doctor about these. Tretinoin (oral): A medication that treats acne. |
This list is not complete, so it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including vitamins and traditional medicines.
Possible side effects
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. Most of the time, these are not serious. But there are some things we need to be aware of.
| Tranexamic Acid Side Effects | |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Difficulty breathing | Shortness of breath, increased breathing rate. |
| Vision changes | Blurred vision, change in color perception. |
| Symptoms of a blood clot | Sudden, severe pain in the chest, legs (especially the buttocks), head, or groin. |
| Side effects that are common, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Body aches | Back pain, muscle or joint pain. |
| Headache | General headache. |
| Sinus problems | Nasal congestion, sinus pain. |
| Stomach ache | Stomach pain, discomfort. |
Take-Home Message
- Tranexamic acid is a medication used to treat heavy menstrual bleeding. It should only be taken after your period has started.
- Do not take this medicine for more than 5 days in a row. Also, do not take it on days when you are not menstruating.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking, especially birth control pills, and your medical conditions.
- If you experience changes in your vision or severe pain in your chest or legs while taking the medication, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share your medicine with others. Always follow your doctor's instructions.
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