What is tranexamic acid used for?

For heavy menstrual bleeding, a clinician may prescribe tranexamic acid for use during the bleeding days. It does not contain hormones and does not treat every cause of heavy periods, so assessment may still be needed.

Tranexamic acid can also be used in specialist dermatology plans for melasma, a condition involving facial pigmentation. The route, dose, and suitability differ by purpose. Do not use someone else’s medicine or assume a treatment for pigmentation is suitable for bleeding.

Tell your clinician about previous blood clots, clotting problems, kidney disease, vision symptoms, pregnancy, and all medicines you take. Use the prescribed instructions and keep a record of bleeding changes. If periods remain heavy, evaluation can look for causes such as fibroids or other gynaecological conditions.

Get urgent medical help for sudden chest pain, breathlessness, coughing blood, one-sided leg swelling or pain, severe headache, weakness, or new vision changes. Seek prompt assessment for bleeding with faintness, severe pelvic pain, or symptoms of anaemia.

What is causing my bleeding? When should I take each dose? Is this suitable with my medical history and medicines? How will we know whether it is helping, and what should I do if bleeding continues?