Where can I get tranexamic acid (or something to help with heavy periods)

[elliejjtiny]

I have periods that started off heavy and then got worse with each pregnancy so now they are a nightmare and I struggle to leave the house on day 2 and 3. Had all the tests done years ago and gynae prescribed tranexamic acid tablets which reduced the heaviness but made my periods longer. So I decided staying in the house with 10p sized clots and changing tampons and pads every 40 minutes was better than a period that lasted 9 days. I've had a couple of nightmare periods where I've had to go out on my heaviest days and now my period is overdue and I've got to go away at the weekend. So I thought I had better get some tranexamic acid again but the gp won't prescribe it, the lady in the chemist hadn't heard of it and an online pharmacy wouldn't let me buy it but for different reasons to the gp. Please help, I'm worried I'm going to end up leaking while I'm away.

It's available over the counter without a prescription for heavy periods so it shouldn't be hard to get a hold of. I'm surprised the the woman in the chemist hadn't heard of because it's quite commonly used. Maybe try a different chemist and/or ask to speak to the pharmacist.

What was the reason the online pharmacy wouldn’t let you buy it?

How bizarre of the pharmacy. You can get it OTC as PP have said.
I also have had it on prescription from GP so again not sure why not. It's a very standard thing. Just give this to your GP
PRN00250-dst-making-a-decision-about-heavy-preiods.pdf https://share.google/N6n1VdpqBM5VGUewG

My GP suggested it. They abbreviate it to TXA. A very normal prescription for heavy periods.

Ask for an ablation. Life changing.

Ddd got them through GP and I had impression that it’s available over the counter. Which online pharmacy you tried? Try Boots or Superdrug.

Not what you asked but have you tried mefenamic acid? I find it much more effective than tranexamic, it makes my periods lighter, shorter and less painful.

It's very odd that neither your GP nor online pharmacy will let you have it. What were their differing reasons?

Have you spoken to an actual pharmacist, as opposed to a 'lady in the chemist'?

Much sympathy OP - I've had both TXA and mefenamic acid prescribed by my GP in similar circumstances. It's actually fucking outrageous that women are just refused a drug that's actually available to treat heavy bleeding. (Unless there are other contraindications you haven't mentioned).

Have you a GP at your surgery who has a special interest in women's health? Ask to see someone different and tell them how badly it's affecting your everyday life.

Have they given you a reason? Eg a condition that precludes you from having it, or another medication you’re on potentially interacting with it? I once had a pharmacy assistant look down her nose and tell me they couldn’t give me the mini pill at all whatsoever (no apparent reason). Bizarre. I went to a different pharmacy and got it no problem. Another time when I was 19 I had to have an argument with a pharmacist to get the morning after pill. Some healthcare people are really weird about anything to do with reproductive health.

What reasons did you GP and the pharmacy give? Did your GP want to see you in person first before prescribing?

I know you haven’t asked - but I suffered from extremely heavy periods after my pregnancy (didn’t have them before) and it was due to adenomyosis which is not uncommon after pregnancy and in older mothers (I was 39 when my periods came back). I had the mirena fitted and it had genuinely been life changing. I now have periods that last 2 days and I barely need a pad - sometimes a panty liner would be enough. It’s amazing. I no longer have to worry every night I have my period and sleep on towels to stop my bed looking like a crime scene. If it’s a possibility for you, I definitely recommend looking into it.

Thankyou. The GP just said that as I had a break from taking it then I obviously could manage without it so she wouldn't prescribe it again. I tried the mini pill and the mirena but they didn't make any difference. The online pharmacy sent me a questionnaire and said because I didn't have a regular 28 day cycle then they couldn't prescribe it. It was boots where the lady in the chemist said she'd never heard of it.

You don’t need a 28 day cycle, it just has to be between 21 and 35 days with no more than 3 days variability. Perhaps the woman in Boots only knows the brand name which is Evana. Or she wasn’t a pharmacist and just had no clue.

Your GP sounds a bit of a dick as well.

I get Evana from Pharmacy2U, I’d try there.

Thankyou. My cycle is usually between 27 and 35 days but occasionally 36 or 37.

My periods were the same. Very heavy. Huge clots and flooding.
i did have the tablets and they were effective but not perfect.
I was offered an ablation or a coil. I went with the coil (on the understanding that I could change my mind and have the operation if I wasn’t happy)
the coil, for me has been life changing. I am now on my 3rd one and have not had a period for 12 years. It has changed my life!
your doctor seems really unreasonable in declining your request for the tablets. I would raise a complaint with the practice Manager and ask for a doctor that specialises in women’s health to review you.