What is Lysteda?
Tranexamic acid is a man-made form of an amino acid (protein) called lysine. Tranexamic acid prevents enzymes in the body from breaking down blood clots.
The Cyklokapron brand of tranexamic acid is used to prevent bleeding in people with hemophilia who need to have a tooth pulled. This medication is usually given just before the dental procedure, and daily for up to 8 days afterward.
The Lysteda brand of tranexamic acid is used to treat heavy menstrual bleeding.
Tranexamic acid may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Lysteda?
The Cyklokapron and Lysteda brands of tranexamic acid are used for different medical conditions. Always check your refills to make sure you have received the correct brand and type of medicine prescribed by your doctor. Ask the pharmacist if you have any questions about the medicine you receive at the pharmacy.
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to tranexamic acid, if you are color blind, or if you have a history of stroke, blood clot, or bleeding in your brain.
Before using tranexamic acid, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, blood in your urine, or a history of endometriosis.
Tranexamic acid can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
The first dose of tranexamic acid is sometimes given as an injection (IV) just before a dental procedure.
Tranexamic acid tablets are usually taken 3 to 4 times daily for 2 to 8 days. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your vision may need to be checked while you are using tranexamic acid. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Lysteda?
You should not take this medication if you are allergic to tranexamic acid, or if you are:
- color blind
- problems with the blood vessels in your eyes
- a history of stroke
- if you have a history of bleeding in your brain; or
- if you have recently had a blood clot
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication:
- kidney disease
- blood in your urine; or
- a history of endometriosis
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Tranexamic acid can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give this medication to a anyone younger than 18 years old without the advice of a doctor.
Lysteda Side Effects
What are the possible side effects of Lysteda?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop taking tranexamic acid and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
- problems with your vision (including color vision)
- sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body
- sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance
- sudden chest pain or trouble breathing
- pain or swelling in one or both legs
- migraine headache
- pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating; or
- urinating less than usual or not at all
Less serious side effects include:
- mild headache
- runny or stuffy nose
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain
- back pain, joint or muscle pain
- tired feeling
- feeling unusually happy; or
- feeling like you might pass out
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Lysteda Interactions
What other drugs affect Lysteda?
The following drugs can interact with tranexamic acid. Tell your doctor if you are using any of these:
- hormonal birth control (such as birth control pills, injections, implants, skin patches, and vaginal rings)
- tretinoin (Vesanoid)
- any type of medication to treat a bleeding episode or a blood clot; or
- such as factor IX (Bebulin VH, Konyne 80, Profilnine SD, Proplex T, and others)
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with tranexamic acid. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
What should I avoid while taking Lysteda?
Avoid using a hormonal form of birth control such as birth control pills, injections, implants, skin patches, and vaginal rings. Hormonal contraception may increase your risk of stroke, blood clot, or heart attack while you are taking tranexamic acid. If you need to use birth control during treatment with tranexamic acid, use a barrier form such as a condom or diaphragm with spermicide.
Lysteda Dosage
How should I take Lysteda?
Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
The first dose of tranexamic acid is sometimes given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection just before your dental procedure to prevent bleeding. Then you will take tranexamic acid tablets by mouth (orally) for up to 8 days after the tooth extraction.
If you take only the oral tablets and do not receive the injection, you may need to start taking the medication one day before your tooth extraction, and then for up to 8 days afterward.
Tranexamic acid is usually taken 3 to 4 times daily for 2 to 8 days. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
If you take tranexamic acid to treat heavy menstrual bleeding, you will take the medication for up to 5 days, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
The Cyklokapron and Lysteda brands of tranexamic acid are used for different medical conditions. Always check your refills to make sure you have received the correct brand and type of medicine prescribed by your doctor. Ask the pharmacist if you have any questions about the medicine you receive at the pharmacy.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your vision may need to be checked while you are using tranexamic acid. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I overdose on Lysteda?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, vision problems, confusion, muscle stiffness, skin rash, sudden numbness or weakness, or feeling like you might pass out.
What happens if I miss a dose of Lysteda?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Sourced from everydayhealth.com