tranexamic acid
Tranexamic acid (Lysteda) is a medication that's used to treat heavy menstrual periods in women who have the ability to have children. It helps lessen the amount of blood you lose during a heavy period. Tranexamic acid (Lysteda) is a tablet that's taken by mouth 3 times a day for up to 5 days of your monthly period. Side effects can include headache, back pain, and stomach pain. This medication might raise your risk for blood clots.
What is Tranexamic acid (Lysteda)?
What is Tranexamic acid (Lysteda) used for?
- Heavy menstrual bleeding that happens during several menstrual cycles in a row
How Tranexamic acid (Lysteda) works
Tranexamic acid (Lysteda) is an antihemorrhagic medication. It prevents blood clots from breaking down in the body. This allows your blood to clot, which lowers how much you bleed.
Drug facts
Side effects of Tranexamic acid (Lysteda)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Headache (50%)
- Nasal and sinus symptoms (runny or stuffy nose, congestion; 25%)
- Back pain (21%)
- Stomach pain (20%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Muscle, bone, or joint pain
- Muscle cramp or spasm
- Migraine
- Tiredness
- Anemia
Tranexamic acid (Lysteda) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Severe allergic reaction: trouble breathing, throat tightness, facial flushing
- Blood clots: trouble breathing; chest pain; swelling, pain, or redness in the arm or leg
- Vision changes or eye problems
More on Tranexamic acid (Lysteda) side effects
The following Tranexamic acid (Lysteda) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Pale skin
trouble breathing with exertion
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness
Incidence not known
change in vision
chest pain or tightness
confusion
difficulty with swallowing
dizziness or lightheadedness
fainting
fast heartbeat
numbness of the hands
pain, redness, or swelling in the arm or leg
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Abdominal or stomach pain, discomfort, or tenderness
chills or fever
difficulty with moving
headache, severe and throbbing
joint or back pain
muscle aching or cramping
muscle pains or stiffness
stuffy or runny nose
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Pros and cons of Tranexamic acid (Lysteda)
Pros
- One of the few non-hormonal medications that can be used for heavy periods
- Only need to take for up to 5 days during your period
- Available as a lower-cost generic
Cons
- Need to take 3 times a day
- Should avoid taking if you're using hormonal contraceptives (like birth control pills) because of risk for blood clots
- Not a good option if you've had a blood clot or if you're at high risk for blood clots
Pharmacist tips for Tranexamic acid (Lysteda)
- Before you start tranexamic acid (Lysteda), talk to your provider about your medical history and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications that you're taking. Tranexamic acid (Lysteda) isn't a good option if you've had blood clots before or if you've been told that you're at high risk for developing one.
- Don't start tranexamic acid (Lysteda) before you get your menstrual period. This medication is meant to be taken only when you're having your period. It doesn't help with premenstrual symptoms (PMS) or any symptoms that you have before your period.
- Once your period starts, take 2 tablets of tranexamic acid (Lysteda) three times a day (e.g., morning, afternoon, evening). Take tranexamic acid (Lysteda) for only up to 5 days in a row during your period, even if your period lasts longer than 5 days. Taking the medication longer than directed can lead to unwanted side effects, such as headache and pain.
- Take tranexamic acid (Lysteda) with or without food. Make sure to swallow the tablets whole; don't chew or break them apart.
- If you miss a dose of tranexamic acid (Lysteda), take it as soon as you remember. Then, wait at least 6 hours before you take your next dose. Don't double up on the dose to make up for missed ones because this can cause side effects.
- Talk to your provider if tranexamic acid (Lysteda) doesn't seem to work after taking it for at least 2 menstrual cycles or if the medication seems like it's stopped working. Your provider can examine you to see what's going on or whether you need a different medication.
Common questions about Tranexamic acid (Lysteda)
There aren't any known interactions between tranexamic acid (Lysteda) and iron supplements like ferrous sulfate. In fact, some providers might recommend that you take an iron supplement if you have heavy periods and have signs of iron-deficiency anemia. This is because blood loss from heavy periods can lead to iron-deficiency anemia. Ask your provider whether it's appropriate for you to take tranexamic acid (Lysteda) with an iron supplement.
Take tranexamic acid (Lysteda) when your menstrual period starts. During your period, take the medication 3 times a day (for example, in the morning, afternoon and evening) for up to 5 days in a row.
It's safe to take tranexamic acid (Lysteda) every month that you have your menstrual period, but you should only take the medication for up to 5 days during your period. Don't take tranexamic acid (Lysteda) if your period skips a month and you don't have a period that month.
Some clinical studies showed that tranexamic acid (Lysteda) helped lessen blood loss during menstrual periods during the first cycle that people used the medication. Keep in mind that it might take a few menstrual cycles for some people to see whether tranexamic acid (Lysteda) is working. Speak with your provider if tranexamic acid (Lysteda) doesn't seem to help after you've taken it during at least 2 menstrual cycles or if the medication seems like it's stopped working.
After you take a single dose of tranexamic acid (Lysteda), it takes about 2 days for most of the medication to leave your body. This time frame is estimated based on the half-life of tranexamic acid (Lysteda). Keep in mind that how long tranexamic acid (Lysteda) stays in your system can depend on your kidney function since your kidneys help get rid of the medication from the body. The medication might stay in your system longer if your kidneys aren't working well; you might need a lower dose of tranexamic acid (Lysteda) to prevent the medication from building up in the body and putting you at risk for side effects.
No, tranexamic acid (Lysteda) won't delay when you get your monthly menstrual period (meaning it won't make your period come later). Tranexamic acid (Lysteda) works to lessen the amount of blood you lose during your period so that your period isn't as heavy.
Tranexamic acid (Lysteda) doesn't help with menstrual cramps. The medication works to make your blood less thin so that your period isn't as heavy. Talk to your provider about how to manage menstrual cramps. Your provider might recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Speak with your provider if you're pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant. Your provider can discuss the risks and benefits of taking tranexamic acid (Lysteda) during pregnancy. In general, the manufacturer doesn't recommend taking tranexamic acid tablets (Lysteda) during pregnancy. This medication can cross the placenta, but it's not known whether it can harm the mother or unborn baby.
Tranexamic acid (Lysteda) is a tablet that's taken by mouth and is FDA-approved to only treat heavy menstrual periods in women. A small study suggests that topical tranexamic acid that's applied to the skin might be helpful for melasma, a condition that causes dark patches on the skin. Keep in mind that this is an off-label use of tranexamic acid and that taking tranexamic acid tablets by mouth hasn't been studied for its effects on skin. Follow up with your provider or dermatologist if you're looking for ways to lighten up spots on the skin. Your provider or dermatologist can discuss the options you have.
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Risks and warnings for Tranexamic acid (Lysteda)
Tranexamic acid (Lysteda) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Risk of blood clots
- Risk factors: History of blood clots | Taking hormonal birth control | Women who are obese | Women who smoke cigarettes, especially those over 35 years of age | Taking other medications that can raise the risk of blood clots
Tranexamic acid (Lysteda) can raise the risk for blood clots. The risk is higher for people who are also taking combined hormonal birth control, which is already known to raise the risk for blood clots. For this reason, you can't take tranexamic acid (Lysteda) if you're also using combined hormonal birth control.
Tranexamic acid (Lysteda) also isn't recommended if you've had blood clots in the past or if you have certain medical conditions or taking certain medications that can raise your risk of blood clots. Tell your providers about your medical history and the medications you take before you start tranexamic acid (Lysteda) to make sure it's safe for you.
Vision and eye problems
Some people taking tranexamic acid (Lysteda) have reported eye problems that can lead to changes in the appearance of the eye or changes in vision. Sometimes, this happens when a blood clot blocks the blood flow to your eye. Stop taking tranexamic acid (Lysteda) and speak with your provider if you notice any changes in your eyes or with your vision. Your provider will refer you to an eye specialist for follow up.
Severe allergic reactions
Though rare, severe allergic reactions to tranexamic acid (Lysteda) can happen. Severe allergic reactions can include trouble breathing, a feeling of throat tightness, facial flushing, and other symptoms of anaphylaxis. Call 911 right away if you have these symptoms because you'll need emergency medical treatment.
Tranexamic acid (Lysteda) dosage
Tablet| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 650mg | 30 tablets | $40.40 | $1.35 |
Typical dosage for Tranexamic acid (Lysteda)
The typical dose is 1,300 mg (2 tablets) by mouth three times a day, for up to 5 days during your monthly menstrual period.
Your dose might differ if you have kidney problems.
Interactions between Tranexamic acid (Lysteda) and other drugs
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
- Desogestrel
- Dienogest
- Drospirenone
- Estradiol
- Ethinyl Estradiol
- Ethynodiol
- Etonogestrel
- Gestodene
- Levonorgestrel
- Medroxyprogesterone
- Mestranol
- Nomegestrol
- Norelgestromin
- Norethindrone
- Norgestimate
- Norgestrel
- Segesterone
- Ulipristal
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Anti-Inhibitor Coagulant Complex
- Chlorpromazine
- Tretinoin
How much does Tranexamic acid (Lysteda) cost?
Tranexamic acid (Lysteda) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Tranexamic acid (Lysteda) will not be safe for you to take.
- Use combined hormonal birth control
- Currently have or have had a blood clot (e.g., deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, stroke, blood clot in eyes)
- Certain medical conditions that put you at risk for blood clots
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