Abstract

Tranexamic acid, an oral antifibrinolytic, is due to become available soon for purchase from pharmacies without prescription for the self-management of heavy menstrual bleeding. It is the first over-the-counter (OTC) medicine licensed specifically for this condition.1 The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) views such availability of tranexamic acid (to be sold as Cyklo-F) as “an important step for women, helping improve their quality of life and providing them with the greater convenience of better access to medicines”.1 Here we review the efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid and discuss whether its OTC availability is a helpful development.