What is tranexamic acid (Lysteda), and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
Tranexamic acid (Lysteda) promotes the clotting of blood and thereby reduces bleeding due to heavy menstruation.
Tranexamic acid is a man-made amino acid derivative that increases blood clotting by preventing the breakdown of fibrin. Fibrin is a protein and an important component of blood clots. It is broken down by another protein called plasmin. Tranexamic acid blocks the action of plasmin on fibrin and thereby prevents the breakdown of fibrin.This leads to stabilization and preservation of fibrin in blood clots, and this helps reduce bleeding during a heavy menstrual cycle.
The FDA approved tranexamic acid in November 2009.
What are the uses for Lysteda?
- Tranexamic acid oral tablets are used to treat heavy menstrual cycles.
- It is also used off-label (uses not approved by the FDA) hereditary angioedema (a condition similar to hives), nosebleeds, cone biopsy, and hyphema (an eye condition).
Lysteda Side effects
Side effects of this drug include:
Tranexamic acid may increase the risk of forming blood clots.
What’s the dosage for Lysteda, and how should I take it?
In females 12 years of age and older, the recommended dose is two 650 mg tablets (1300 mg) by mouth three times a day for a maximum of 5 days during the menstrual cycle. It may be administered without regard to meals. Tablets should be swallowed whole and not chewed or broken.
Safe and effective use of tranexamic acid is not determined in premenarcheal girls or girls under the age of 12.
Which drugs or supplements interact with this medication?
- Concomitant use of tranexamic acid and birth control medications can increase the risk of blood clots.
- Concomitant use with tissue plasminogen activators (used to prevent or treat blood clots) can reduce the effectiveness of tranexamic acid.
- Concomitant use with Factor IX complex concentrates or anti-inhibitor coagulant concentrates that promote blood clots is not recommended due to the increased risk of blood clots.
Medically Reviewed by a Doctor on 5/26/2017
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