Tranexamic acid (By mouth)

Introduction

Tranexamic Acid (tran-ex-AM-ik AS-id)

Treats heavy monthly periods (menstrual cycles) in women.

Brand Name(s)

Lysteda

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

How to Use This Medicine

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• You should wait until your monthly period has started before taking this medicine. This medicine should not be taken for more than 5 days for each monthly period.
• You may take this medicine with or without food.
• This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Swallow the tablet whole with liquids. Do not break, crush, or chew it.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. Take your next dose at least 6 hours later. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using oral tretinoin (Vesanoid®) or a medicine to break up blood clots (such as alteplase, reteplase, Activase®, or Retavase®). Tell your doctor if you are also using birth control pills or other types of birth control.
• Do not use this medicine together with a medicine to treat hemophilia, such as Factor IX (Benefix®, Proplex® T) or anti-inhibitor coagulant concentrate (Feiba® VH), unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease or bleeding problems.
• Tell your doctor if you are using birth control pills or other types of birth control (such as a patch, vaginal ring, or intrauterine device). Using these medicines together may increase your chance of having a blood clot, heart attack, or stroke. This is more likely to occur if you are very overweight (obese) or if you smoke.
• This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you have shortness of breath; trouble breathing; chest tightness; flushing of the face; trouble swallowing; or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth while you are using this medicine.
• Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have any eye problems, such as a change in your vision. Your doctor will want you to have your eyes checked by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor).
• If this medicine does not reduce your bleeding after two menstrual cycles or if it seems to stop working, check with your doctor.
• Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood.
• Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body.
• Pain in your lower calf.
• Red, itching, or watery eyes.
• Sudden or severe headache, or problems with speech or walking.
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
• Vision changes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Back pain or headache.
• Muscle or joint pain.
• Runny or stuffy nose.
• Stomach pain.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088