Vitamin C and tranexamic acid: what should you know?

Vitamin C is a nutrient found in foods and supplements. Tranexamic acid is a medicine that helps reduce bleeding by slowing the breakdown of clots. They do not have the same purpose, dose, or safety considerations.

Tranexamic acid may be prescribed for heavy menstrual bleeding and is also used in other settings. It is not suitable for everyone, particularly people with certain clotting histories or medical conditions. The product form matters too: tablets, topical products, and medicines used for different conditions should not be swapped.

Use tranexamic acid only as directed for the condition being treated. Follow the prescribed schedule, check the label of every supplement, and tell your clinician about pregnancy, fertility treatment, previous blood clots, kidney problems, or medicines containing oestrogen.

Do not add vitamin C to make tranexamic acid work better, and do not replace a prescribed medicine with a supplement. For more context, see [Tranexamic Acid](/materials/tranexamic-acid/) and [Tranexamic Acid for Heavy Bleeding](/treatments/medical-gynaecology/tranexamic-acid-for-heavy-bleeding/). The treatment used for skin pigmentation is a different clinical purpose; read [Tranexamic Acid for Melasma](/treatments/medical-dermatology/tranexamic-acid-for-melasma/).

Get urgent help for chest pain, sudden breathlessness, coughing blood, one-sided leg swelling or pain, new weakness, or sudden vision changes while taking tranexamic acid. Contact a clinician promptly if bleeding remains difficult to control or you develop concerning symptoms.

Ask why tranexamic acid has been recommended, how long to use it, whether your contraceptive or medical history changes its suitability, and what to do if bleeding does not improve. Ask a pharmacist to check supplements for duplicated ingredients.