How to take tranexamic acid in Evana Heavy Period Relief Tablets
Tranexamic acid tablets can be an effective treatment if you regularly experience heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB). They are available over the counter as Evana® Heavy Period Relief Tablets, and it’s important to understand how and when to take this medication correctly.
Taking tranexamic acid for heavy periods
Below, we discuss the recommended dosage of Evana®, which contain tranexamic acid for heavy period relief. It’s important to be aware that tranexamic acid is sometimes prescribed for other conditions as well, and if this is the case, you should follow the advice of your doctor specifically relating to that condition and treatment plan. The below information relates solely to the use of tranexamic acid to treat heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB), taken as Evana® Heavy Period Relief Tablets.
In addition to the below advice, always read the patient information leaflet (PIL) that comes with your medication. If in doubt, follow the information within the PIL as a priority and consult a medical professional for additional assistance. If you experience any side effects or have an adverse reaction to this medication, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Who can take tranexamic acid for HMB?
As with any medication, tranexamic acid for HMB in Evana® isn’t suitable for everyone. For instance, it’s only recommended for use in those with regular menstrual cycles which last for 21 to 35 days each, with no more than three days of variation between cycles. If you have irregular periods, then you should consult your doctor so you can try to identify and resolve the cause of the irregularity before using Evana® to relieve HMB
Additionally, there are age restrictions to the use of Evana® for heavy periods. It is recommended for use in those between the ages of 18 and 45 - though women over the age of 45 may be able to take this medication with advice from their doctor.
You should also avoid taking Evana® if you:
- Are allergic to tranexamic acid or any of the other ingredients
- Have any kind of renal insufficiency or impairment
- Have active or historic thromboembolic disease or have a family history of the condition
- Pass blood in your urine
- Take warfarin or other anticoagulant medications
- Have a history of convulsions
- Have any kind of fibrinolytic condition.
You should consult your doctor prior to starting Evana® if:
- You are obese or diabetic
- You have a personal or familial history of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis
- You are taking unopposed oestrogen or tamoxifen
- You are using oral contraceptives.
When to take tranexamic acid for HMB
You should begin taking Evana® once your heavy period has begun, not before. It’s recommended to take two tablets three times a day where needed, and there are no restrictions on driving or operating heavy machinery after taking this medication. However, it is possible to experience visual disturbances after taking Evana® tablets, so exercise caution and do not use heavy machinery or drive if you experience this side effect and stop taking Evana. You don’t need to take tranexamic with food or drinks, though you may find water helpful for swallowing tablets.
It’s advised that you shouldn’t take Evana® if you are pregnant, as it is a medication that crosses the placenta. Though there is currently no evidence of tranexamic acid causing developmental problems or interfering with the normal growth of an embryo, it’s always advisable to use extra caution when taking medications while pregnant. If you experience any vaginal bleeding while pregnant, you should call your midwife or GP immediately.
Additionally, it’s recommended to be cautious if you are breastfeeding and wish to use Evana® for heavy periods. While it’s unlikely that tranexamic acid can cause an antifibrinolytic effect (preventing the breaking down of blood clots) in babies via breast milk, you should consult your doctor before taking Evana® if you are breastfeeding.
How many tranexamic acid tablets can I take a day?
The recommended dose of Evana® for heavy menstrual bleeding is two 500mg tablets three times daily, for up to a total of four days per cycle. However, if your bleeding is not reduced, you can take an extra two tablets at night. At all times, you should never take more than eight tablets in a 24-hour period, which is a maximum of 4g per day.
Always consult a pharmacist for advice before increasing your dose of Evana® for heavy periods.
Can you take tranexamic acid with iron tablets?
Evana® for heavy periods is not specifically contraindicated for use alongside iron supplements , however some medications that treat iron deficiency anaemia can interfere with other medications. Therefore, if you are taking iron tablets or any other long-term medication, seek medical advice before starting to take Evana® for your heavy periods. You may be advised to leave a gap between taking anaemia medications and starting Evana®.
Can you take paracetamol with tranexamic acid?
Paracetamol is thought to be suitable to take alongside Evana® for heavy periods, so it could be a helpful option for relieving period pain if you experience both symptoms.
An alternative pain medication that’s designed specifically for period pain is Ultravana® Period Pain Relief Tablets, which contain 250mg Naproxen to alleviate pain symptoms. If you’re experiencing both heavy periods and period pain, you may be able to take Ultravana for the pain relief as well as Evana® for your heavy period.
Evana® is thought to be suitable to take with most medications, but it’s always best to check with a qualified medical professional such as your local pharmacist before starting a new medication. If you’re taking Evana® for heavy periods alongside another medication and you experience unpleasant side effects, speak to your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible.
Evana® Heavy Period Relief 500 mg tablets. Tranexamic acid. For the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding.
Ultravana® Period Pain Relief 250 mg Gastro-resistant tablets. Naproxen. For the treatment of primary dysmenorrhoea. Always read the label.
Sources:
Evana SmPC - Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/15636
https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/common-symptoms/vaginal-bleeding/
