Can I get Tranexamic acid over the counter today?

[WhoWasThatMaskedWoman]

Due to menopause-related events I'm going to need some in the next couple of days and won't be able to get a prescription from my GP in time.

According to the NHS website it's available OTC for heavy menstrual bleeding for over 18s but both the pharmacies I've been to have denied all knowledge for a variety of reasons they've apparently pulled out of a hat.

Is the NHS website lying to me? Does anyone know a pharmacy in zone 1/2 of London which might have it?

www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/8290/pil#gref

Can you get to a Boots?

I used to get mine on prescription but as an alternative can you take Ibuprofen? I believe it also reduces cramping and bleeding - I really feel for you. It's horrible

It was my largest local Boots which gave me four separate reasons why it wasn't possible.

I second ibuprofen

Not sure whether you already use it, but I don't find it particularly effective? Also prolongs my period for at least a few days, if not a week!

My sister bought it from Boots a few years back.

Thanks for the link to Cyclo-f.

Googling it brings up a MN thread from earlier this year suggesting that Boots have discontinued stock and are apparently training their staff to deny it was ever available OTC/say that the change was so recent that it needs reapproval/say that it's been taken off OTC licence/if all else fails own up to the fact that they no longer receive supply and they don't know why.

I used to use it pre-menopause and found it effective enough to enable me to leave the house.

God how frustrating. You'd think we could have some control over our bodies. Luckily I have it as I have a condition which requires it to be available in case of injury.

I could only obtain this particular tablet on prescription only two years ago (and it was not all that effective for peri menopausal bleeding).

I asked my local independent pharmacist about this recently and was told it used to be available OTC but isn't any more

I actually have some here at home that I totally wouldn't mind posting BUT I understand this is probably illegal/you prob wouldn't want any from a random anonymous person on the internet

I may be able to eke out the few tablets I have left until I can get a prescription - it depends on when my pseudo-period starts. It's the gaslighting that's infuriating.

One pharmacist told me to go away and get an emergency prescription from a private GP. I didn't think to ask him whether that would magically make the exact same pills come into stock.

I'm definitely going to write a strongly worded letter to Boots and Lloyds. Everyone (apart from the four pharmacists I spoke to today apparently) agrees that this is a safe and valuable medication which should be available OTC. So why isn't it?

Phone 111, they can when required issue prescriptions and you collect from designated pharmacy. I got 'dry socket' after a dental 🦷 extraction and was prescribed strong codine over the phone and collected the same day.

I'll find a way. I'd much rather not have to use up 111 or my GP's time though.

Don't be a martyr,that's what the GP is there for!

Have you tried Ali’s pharmacy in Shadwell? I haven’t tried to get this from them, but they’ve been excellent at sorting other stuff out for me over the last few years.

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll try a couple of local independents and ring my GP tomorrow.

Slightly derailing your thread. I've had 500mg prescribed and dose is given as 3 a day. No info on dates - do I start straight away and take it constantly? Im day 22 of 28. Thanks

No. Usually you only take it on the days of heavy bleeding ime.

@Meredusoleil Thank you!

wasnt aware tranexamic acid was ever otc? i've been taking it about 3 months now and it really helps with heavy bleeding. I only ever buy it online from a pharmacy called Medical Specialists company, based in Bury. also get mefenamic acid from them too to help with my period pain