Brand Name: Lysteda
Generic Name: tranexamic acid
Drug Class: Antifibrinolytic Agents
What is Lysteda (tranexamic acid), and what is it used for?
Lysteda (tranexamic acid) promotes the clotting of blood and thereby reduces bleeding due to heavy menstruation.
Tranexamic acid is a man-made amino acid derivative that increases blood clotting by preventing the breakdown of fibrin. Fibrin is a protein and an important component of blood clots. It is broken down by another protein called plasmin.
Tranexamic acid blocks the action of plasmin on fibrin and thereby prevents the breakdown of fibrin. This leads to stabilization and preservation of fibrin in blood clots, and this helps reduce bleeding during a heavy menstrual cycle.
- Tranexamic acid oral tablets are used to treat heavy menstrual cycles.
- It is also used off-label (uses not approved by the FDA) hereditary angioedema (a condition similar to hives), nosebleeds, cone biopsy, and hyphema (an eye condition).
- The FDA approved tranexamic acid in November 2009.
What are the side effects of Lysteda?
Side effects of this drug include:
- Abdominal and back pain
- Anemia
- Joint pain
- Muscle cramps and spasms
- Musculoskeletal pain
- Headache
- Migraine
- Nasal and sinus problems
- Fatigue
Tranexamic acid may increase the risk of forming blood clots.
What is the dosage for Lysteda?
- In females 12 years of age and older, the recommended dose is two 650 mg tablets (1300 mg) by mouth three times a day for a maximum of 5 days during the menstrual cycle. It may be administered without regard to meals. Tablets should be swallowed whole and not chewed or broken.
- Safe and effective use of tranexamic acid is not determined in premenarcheal girls or girls under the age of 12.
What drugs interact with Lysteda?
- Concomitant use of tranexamic acid and birth control medications can increase the risk of blood clots.
- Concomitant use with tissue plasminogen activators (used to prevent or treat blood clots) can reduce the effectiveness of tranexamic acid.
- Concomitant use with Factor IX complex concentrates or anti-inhibitor coagulant concentrates that promote blood clots is not recommended due to the increased risk of blood clots.
SLIDESHOW
Pelvic Pain: What's Causing Your Pelvic Pain? See SlideshowIs it safe to take Lysteda if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
- Tranexamic acid is not approved for use in pregnant women. Moreover, there no adequate studies of tranexamic acid to determine safe and effective use in pregnant women.
- Tranexamic acid is present in breast milk in trace amounts; therefore, caution must be exercised before considering itsuse in nursing mothers.
What else should I know about this drug?
Do you need a prescription for Lysteda?
- Yes, you need a prescription from your doctor or other health care professional for Lysteda.
Is Lysteda available in generic form?
- Yes, it's available in generic form.
What preparations of tranexamic acid (Lysteda) are available?
- Tablets: 650 mg.
How should I keep tranexamic acid (Lysteda) stored?
- Tranexamic acid tablets should be stored between 15 C to 30 C (59 F to 86 F).
Summary
Lysteda (tranexamic acid) is a medication prescribed to promote blood clotting during menstruation, thus reducing bleeding due to heavy periods (menorrhagia). Non-FDA (off-label) uses are nosebleeds (epistaxis), cone biopsy, hyphema (an eye condition), hereditary angioedema (a condition that is similar to hives). Side effects are anemia, joint pain, headache, fatigue, sinus or nasal problems, muscle spasms and cramps, abdominal pain, migraine, and back pain. It may interact with birth control medications. Lysteda is not approved for during pregnancy, and it is excreted in breast milk. Talk with your OB/GYN about taking this drug if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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