Tranexamic acid, which is sometimes abbreviated to TXA, is the active ingredient in certain medicines that aim to reduce bleeding. Evana Heavy Period Relief Tablets contain tranexamic acid and can reduce heavy menstrual bleeding by up to 60% . In this article, we’ll explore the following frequently asked questions about this medicine:

• What is tranexamic acid?
• What is tranexamic used for?
• How quicky does tranexamic acid work?
• Can you buy tranexamic acid over the counter?

Keep reading to learn more.

What is tranexamic acid?

 Tranexamic acid is available in tablet form such as Evana Heavy Period Relief tablets for HMB. It is also available in other forms such as liquid (only on prescription from a doctor) . Tranexamic acid is an anti-fibrinolytic, which means it helps to slow the breakdown of blood clots within your body. This helps to reduce or stop bleeding.   

What is tranexamic acid used for?

Tranexamic acid has a number of medical applications, including helping to stop or reduce bleeding caused by:

• Heavy periods
• Tranexamic acid is available on prescription from a doctor for other conditions which may cause heavy bleeding

How does tranexamic acid work?

In order to understand how tranexamic acid works, you need to know a little about your body’s natural blood clotting process.

Tranexamic acid helps your body’s natural blood clotting process, which in turn helps you stop bleeding. When you bleed your body uses a protein called fibrin to form clots and help stop the bleeding. To stop the clots from causing problems and potentially growing they are gradually broken down in a process called fibrinolysis. 

Tranexamic acid is an anti-fibrinolytic, this means it stops the fibrin from being broken down and helps the blood clots stay in place where they are needed. 

It’s therefore important to let anyone treating you for other conditions know that you are taking tranexamic acid and why. This helps to ensure you aren’t given any medications that are contraindicated (not recommended for use with tranexamic acid), and that your underlying condition is taken into account if applicable. 

How quickly does tranexamic acid work?

It can take up to 24 hours for tranexamic acid to take full effect . It’s important to wait for the medication to take effect and not be tempted to take an excessive dosage in order to speed things up, as this could cause undesirable side effects. These may include:

• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea

For dosage instructions relating to the specific form of tranexamic acid you’re taking, refer to the medication packaging/label (applied by the pharmacist) or patient information leaflet. This will include information on how many consecutive days you can use the treatment for. However, you should not make any changes to your treatment unless you are told to do so by a medical professional.

Can you buy tranexamic acid over the counter?

Tranexamic acid for heavy menstrual bleeding is available with and without a prescription.   It can be purchased, either online or in a pharmacy following a short consultation with a pharmacist.  Known as Evana® Heavy Period Relief tablets, this is the only medicine available for treating heavy menstrual bleeding without a prescription and can reduce menstrual blood loss by up to 60%.  

When needed for other conditions, tranexamic acid is only available on prescription   When recommending tranexamic acid, your doctor or pharmacist will make it clear to you how you can access the treatment. 

Sources

https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/tranexamic-acid/about-tranexamic-acid/  
https://evanaperiods.com/buy-evana  
https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/tranexamic-acid/how-and-when-to-take-tranexamic-acid/  
https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/tranexamic-acid/common-questions-about-tranexamic-acid/  
https://www.evelinalondon.nhs.uk/resources/patient-information/tranexamic-acid-parents-carers.pdf  
https://www.blood.co.uk/news-and-campaigns/the-donor/latest-stories/functions-of-blood-clotting/   
https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/tranexamic-acid/who-can-and-cannot-take-tranexamic-acid/  
https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/tranexamic-acid/taking-tranexamic-acid-with-other-medicines-and-herbal-supplements/  
https://www.stgeorges.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/MfC-Tranexamic-acid.pdf