Explanation

Tranexamic acid (also called Cyklokapron) is a type of medicine called an anti-fibrinolytic. If you bleed too much after an operation, anti-fibrinolytics are used to stop the bleeding. They are also used to help your blood to clot if you have an illness like haemophilia.

What does tranexamic acid do?

Tranexamic acid stops blood clots from dissolving by making sure that the chemical that breaks them down (called plasmin) is not turned on. If it is not turned on, the blood clots stay in place and any unwanted bleeding stops.

What does it look like?

Tranexamic acid comes as a liquid for injections, and also as a white tablet that you swallow with water.

When do I have to take it?

Your doctor will decide how much tranexamic acid you should take and for how long. This will depend on what medical condition you have, how much you are bleeding and how much you weigh.

But what if I don't feel like taking it?

It's extremely important that you take your tranexamic acid, even if you don't feel like it. If you are bleeding a lot, you could lose too much blood. This can be very dangerous, and you could even die!

What should I do if i forget to take it or accidentally take more than I should?

If you accidentally take too much tranexamic acid, tell your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital. Taking too much tranexamic acid may make you feel sick, be sick or feel dizzy or faint when you stand up.

If you forget to take your medicine, you should take it when you remember if it's not much later than normal, otherwise forget your missed dose and take your next one as planned.

Make sure you don't take a double dose to make up for the one you missed - remember the three Ds: DON"T DOUBLE DOSE!

How much do I take?

Your doctor will tell you how much to take if you are on the tablets. You must take the tablets with a glass of water, and you should swallow them whole. Don't crush or chew them.

If you are having the injection, your doctor will give it to you. You will normally have the injection into one of your veins gradually over a short period of time, rather than all at once. You might even get a watered down version through a drip in your vein over a longer period of time. This is called an infusion.

What are the most likely side effects I might get?

Not everyone gets side effects from tranexamic acid. Also, the more usual side effects you can get are mostly not very bad and go away quickly. If you get any of these and they continue though, tell your doctor:

Feeling sick

Being sick

Diarrhoea (runny poo)

Feeling dizzy

Some other side effects can be quite serious, so you must tell your doctor or nurse if you notice anything strange. Most importantly, make sure that you stop taking tranexamic acid straight away and tell your doctor immediately if you get any of the symptoms on the list below:

Changes in your eyesight

Trouble swallowing or breathing

Swelling of your face, throat, hands or feet

Feeling nervous or anxious, throbbing sensations, sudden reddening of your skin and/or a warm feeling

A really bad rash, itching, or hives (bumpy patches of red or pale skin that are itchy)

What other side effects might I get?

There are other side effects that you may get with tranexamic acid, but they are very unusual, so you are unlikely to get them. Some of these can be very serious though, so it's important you look out for them. Tell your doctor if you notice:

bleeding in an eye, or you lose your vision

itchy, red or swollen skin

any pains in your chest or legs

Is it safe for me to be taking it?

It's very important that you tell your doctor about any medical problems you know you have, or have had in the past, including allergies. You need to make sure your doctor knows if you:

have had blood clots (called thromboembolism) before

are allergic to tranexamic acid or any other anti-coagulant medicines

have kidney disease

have blood in your urine

have ever had any bleeding that couldn't be stopped

Is it okay for me to be taking tranexamic acid if I'm already taking other medicine?

Your doctor needs to know if you are taking any other medicines before you start taking tranexamic acid, including herbal medicines or anything you have bought without a prescription. If you take tranexamic acid while you aretaking other medicines, then some or all of them might not work the way they should. Make sure you tell your doctor if you are or have been taking:

fibrinolytic drugs like streptokinase

medicine to treat angioneurotic oedema every day for a long time

Is there anything else I need to know about tranexamic acid?

If you are given the tablets, make sure you don't store them above room temperature

What if I have any more questions?

If you have any other questions, you can ask your doctor, or chat to other people with haemophilia in the Medikidz forums and virtual world, Mediland.