Tranexamic acid

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is a medication used to treat or prevent excessive blood loss from major trauma, postpartum bleeding, surgery, tooth removal, nosebleeds, and heavy menstruation. It is also used for hereditary angioedema. It is taken either by mouth or injection into a vein. Side effects are rare. Some include changes in color vision, blood clots, and allergic reactions. Greater caution is recommended in people with kidney disease. Tranexamic appears to be safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Tranexamic acid is in the antifibrinolytic family of medications. Tranexamic acid was first made in 1962 by Japanese researchers Shosuke and Utako Okamoto. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system. Tranexamic acid is available as a generic medication. The wholesale cost in the developing world is about 4.38 to 4.89 USD for a course of treatment. In the United States, a course of treatment costs between 100 to 200 USD. Tranexamic acid is frequently used following major trauma. Tranexamic acid is used to prevent and treat blood loss in a variety of situations, such as dental procedures for hemophiliacs, heavy menstrual bleeding, and surgeries with high risk of blood loss. Tranexamic acid has been found to decrease the risk of death in people who have significant bleeding due to trauma. Its main benefit is if taken within the first three hours. It has been shown to reduce death due to any cause and death due to bleeding. Further studies are assessing the effect of tranexamic acid in isolated brain injury. Tranexamic acid is used to treat heavy menstrual bleeding. When taken by mouth it both safely and effectively treats regularly occurring heavy menstrual bleeding and improves quality of life. Another study demonstrated that the dose does not need to be adjusted in females who are between ages 12 and 16. Tranexamic acid is used after delivery to reduce bleeding, often with oxytocin. Death due to postpartum bleeding was reduced in women receiving tranexamic acid. In the United States, tranexamic acid is FDA approved for short-term use in people with severe bleeding disorders who are about to have dental surgery. Tranexamic acid is used for a short period of time before and after the surgery to prevent major blood loss and decrease the need for blood transfusions.