Lysteda
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
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What are the side effects of Tranexamic acid (Lysteda)?
Common Side Effects
- Headache (50%)
- Nasal and sinus symptoms (runny or stuffy nose, congestion; 25%)
- Back pain (21%)
- Stomach pain (20%)
Other Side Effects
- Muscle, bone, or joint pain
- Muscle cramp or spasm
- Migraine
- Tiredness
- Anemia
Serious Side Effects
- 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
Source: DailyMed
More on Tranexamic acid (Lysteda) side effects
The following 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.
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.
Frequently asked questions about Tranexamic acid (Lysteda)
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What are the 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 forms
| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 650mg | 30 tablets | $42.08 | $1.40 |
Typical dosing 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
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
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
What are alternatives to Tranexamic acid (Lysteda)?
Heavy menstrual bleeding that happens during several menstrual cycles in a row
Heavy menstrual bleeding related to uterine fibroids in women who haven't reached menopause
Moderate-to-severe pain related to endometriosis in women who haven't reached menopause
Prevent pregnancy for up to 8 years
Relieve heavy menstrual periods for up to 5 years
What is the latest news about Tranexamic acid (Lysteda)?
Tranexamic acid (Lysteda) images
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References
Best studies we foundAmerican College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2023). Combined hormonal birth control: Pill, patch, and ring.
ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2023). Tranexamic acid tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.
Janney, M. S., et al. (2019). A randomized controlled study comparing the efficacy of topical 5% tranexamic acid solution versus 3% hydroquinone cream in melasma. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery.
Lukes, A. S., et al. (2011). Tranexamic acid: A novel oral formulation for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding. Women’s Health.
Meaidi, A., et al. (2021). Oral tranexamic acid and thrombosis risk in women. The Lancet.
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