5 Questions Before Taking Tranexamic Acid for Heavy Periods

The prescription conversation needs to include your contraception as well as your bleeding.

Five questions for the prescriber

1. Has the cause of my bleeding been assessed? The U.S. label requires assessment for endometrial problems before prescribing. Irregular bleeding needs review too. Ask what has been checked and whether further tests are planned.¹²

2. Does my contraception rule this out? The U.S. tablet label contraindicates use with combined hormonal contraception because of clot risk. Tell the prescriber exactly which pill, patch, ring or other method you use. Do not combine them without resolving this with the clinician.¹

3. What health history affects suitability? Report previous clots, medicine allergies, kidney problems, epilepsy and pregnancy plans. The U.S. label also excludes certain clot-risk conditions and requires lower dosing for impaired kidney function. Have the prescriber choose the dose.¹²

4. Which days should I take it? The U.S. label specifies use during menstruation for no more than five days per month. Confirm your prescription’s start, stop and missed-dose instructions.¹

5. Which symptoms mean I should stop? Stop and promptly contact the clinician for visual or eye symptoms. Severe allergic symptoms such as breathing difficulty or throat tightening require stopping and immediate medical attention. Ask for the full warning list.¹

Keep the instructions with your period record

Write the prescribed schedule beside your bleeding notes. Contact the clinician if heavy bleeding continues or your usual pattern changes in a concerning way.¹

Period, Handled lists a Period Scorecard and visit script in its toolkit. They can organize the bleeding record and questions for follow-up. See the book.