aminocaproic acid

This medication is used to help control bleeding due to a condition where your blood does not clot the way it normally should (fibrinolysis). This may cause serious bleeding after certain surgeries or in certain conditions (such as bleeding disorders, liver disease, cancer). Aminocaproic acid works by helping your blood clot normally. It belongs to a class of drugs known as antifibrinolytics.

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. The dosage and how often you take this medication are based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Your doctor should closely monitor you until your bleeding is controlled. See also Notes section.

It is very important to take this medication as prescribed by your doctor to get the most benefit from it. Do not skip any doses. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.

If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

Headache, stomach pain, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, unusual tiredness, dizziness, stuffy nose, or watery eyes may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: sore throat that doesn't go away, ringing in the ears, vision changes, muscle pain/weakness, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine), confusion, slow heartbeat, unusual bleeding or bruising.

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: chest pain, shortness of breath, seizures.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before taking aminocaproic acid, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, other blood/bleeding disorders (such as hemophilia).

This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Store in a tightly closed container at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not freeze. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug include: blood clotting factors (such as Factor IX complex, anti-inhibitor coagulant complex), tretinoin.

This medication may interfere with certain lab tests, possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist right away to establish a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Do not share this medication with others.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as platelet counts, blood clotting tests, CPK levels) should be done while you are taking this medication. Consult your doctor for more details.