Tranexamic Acid Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 20, 2025.

Applies to tranexamic acid: intravenous solution.

Other dosage forms:

• oral tablet

Serious side effects of tranexamic acid

Along with its needed effects, tranexamic acid may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking tranexamic acid:

Incidence not known

• anxiety
• bloody or cloudy urine
• blurred or loss of vision
• changes in vision
• chest pain or tightness
• confusion
• cough
• difficult or painful urination
• difficulty swallowing
• disturbed color perception
• dizziness, fainting, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• double vision
• fast heartbeat
• halos around lights
• hives, itching, skin rash
• migraine headache
• night blindness
• numbness of the hands
• overbright appearance of lights
• pain, redness, or swelling in the arm or leg
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• redness of the skin
• seizures
• sudden decrease in the amount of urine
• sweating
• trouble breathing
• tunnel vision
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Other side effects of tranexamic acid

Some side effects of tranexamic acid may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

• bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of the skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at injection site
• diarrhea
• giddiness
• nausea
• vomiting

For healthcare professionals

Applies to tranexamic acid: compounding powder, intravenous solution, oral tablet.

Cardiovascular adverse events

• Frequency not reported: Hypotension
• Postmarketing reports: Thromboembolic events^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Abdominal pain (over 30%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Allergic dermatitis
• Postmarketing reports: Anaphylactic shock, allergic skin reactions^[Ref]

A case of severe allergic reaction to tranexamic acid was reported involving a subject on her fourth cycle of treatment who experienced dyspnea, tightening of her throat, and facial flushing that required emergency medical treatment.^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Very common (10% or more): Back pain, musculoskeletal pain
• Common (1% to 10%): Arthralgia, muscle cramps^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache, migraine
• Frequency not reported: Seizures
• Postmarketing reports: Dizziness, seizures^[Ref]

Ocular

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Retinal artery occlusion
• Postmarketing reports: Chromatopsia, visual impairment^[Ref]

Further information

Tranexamic acid side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer