Lysteda (Generic)

This medication is used to treat heavy bleeding during your menstrual period. Tranexamic acid works by slowing the breakdown of blood clots, which helps to prevent prolonged bleeding. It belongs to a class of drugs known as antifibrinolytics.

Tranexamic acid is not a hormone. It does not treat other menstrual or pre-menstrual symptoms. It does not stop your period. It is not a form of birth control and does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking tranexamic acid and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions regarding the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 2 tablets 3 times a day (morning, afternoon, bedtime). Swallow this medication whole. Do not crush or chew. Wait until your period has started before taking your first dose. Do not take tranexamic acid for more than 5 days in a row.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not take more than 3 doses (6 tablets) in 24 hours. Stop taking tranexamic acid and see your doctor right away if you have any eye problems or change in vision.

Tell your doctor if there is a change in your bleeding pattern or heavy bleeding persists or worsens.

See also How to use section.

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle pain may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, 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: eye/eyelid problems.

Although unlikely, this medication may cause serious blood clot problems. Stop taking tranexamic acid and get medical help right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: coughing up blood, fainting, pain/swelling/warmth in the groin/calf, swelling/weakness/redness/pain in the arms/legs, signs of a stroke (such as weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, sudden vision changes, confusion), vision changes (such as color vision changes, decreased vision/blindness).

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 tranexamic 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: bleeding in the brain (subarachnoid hemorrhage), history of blood clots (such as in the legs, lung, brain, eye), certain heart diseases (irregular heartbeat, heart valve problems), blood clotting problems, kidney problems (including blood in the urine), irregular menstrual bleeding of unknown cause.

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

This medication is usually used during your menstrual period. Therefore, it is unlikely to be used during pregnancy. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. 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 for more details about how to safely discard your product.

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 thinners" (anticoagulants such as warfarin, heparin), drugs that prevent bleeding (including factor IX complex, anti-inhibitor coagulant concentrates), estrogens, hormonal birth control (such as pills, patch, ring), tibolone, tretinoin.

Check all prescription and nonprescription medicine labels carefully since many medications contain pain relievers/fever reducers (NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen) that may increase your risk of bleeding. Low-dose aspirin should be continued if prescribed by your doctor for specific medical reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams per day). Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

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. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe dizziness, vomiting.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Do not share this medication with others.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as kidney tests, eye examinations) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.