About Tranexamic Acid

Tranexamic acid (sometimes shortened to TXA) is a medicine that controls bleeding. It helps your blood to clot and is used for nosebleeds and heavy periods.

If you're having a tooth taken out, using tranexamic acid mouthwash can help stop bleeding.

Tranexamic acid can also help if you have a condition that causes swelling under the skin (hereditary angioedema).

If you have any condition that causes you to bleed more than usual, you may need to take tranexamic acid for a few days before having surgery or dental surgery.

Tranexamic acid is available on prescription as:

• tablets
• mouthwash
• injections - usually only given in hospital

Tranexamic acid tablets for heavy periods are also available to buy from pharmacies, for adults aged 18 and over.

Key facts

• You'll usually take tranexamic acid 3 times a day for a few days at a time.
• It can take up to 24 hours for the medicine to work fully.
• You can take the tablets with or without food.
• Most people do not have any side effects when taking tranexamic acid tablets.
• Speak to your doctor if you also take the combined contraceptive pill ("the pill"), as there's a very small increased risk of DVT (deep vein thrombosis) with tranexamic acid.

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