What are the side effects of tranexamic acid for melasma?

Author: Mrs. Calista Gerhold  |  Last update: Thursday, June 19, 2025

More common
  • Abdominal or stomach pain, discomfort, or tenderness.
  • chills or fever.
  • difficulty with moving.
  • headache, severe and throbbing.
  • joint or back pain.
  • muscle aching or cramping.
  • muscle pains or stiffness.
  • stuffy or runny nose.

Can tranexamic acid make melasma worse?

One clinical study found 0.4% (2 patients) of the studied melasma patients whose hyperpigmentation worsened while taking oral tranexamic acid. Further investigation by researchers showed that sun exposure contributed to worsening of melasma in those patients.

What are the disadvantages of tranexamic acid on skin?

The most common potential side effects are listed below. Though reported instances are rare, tranexamic acid can cause allergic reactions, such as itching, swelling, hives, or a rash.

How long does it take for tranexamic acid to work for melasma?

How long should you take oral tranexamic acid for melasma to see gains? Oral tranexamic acid treatment benefits maximize after taking it for eight to twelve weeks. During this time, it limits a cellular process involved in producing melanin, the pigment that makes your skin dark and causes freckles.

What to avoid when taking tranexamic acid?

Cautions with other medicines

Tranexamic acid can be taken with most other medicines. However, talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you're taking the combined contraceptive pill. There could be a very small increased risk of getting a blood clot if you take tranexamic acid as well.

HYPERPIGMENTATION - How To Use Azelaic Acid and Tranexamic Acid for Dark Spots

What not to pair with tranexamic acid?

Tranexamic Acid Serum can be used with all products in our range however we'd recommend not to use alongside a moisturizer / oil as it is unlikely to layer well.

Does tranexamic acid cause weight gain?

It's effects are reversible. Possible unwanted side effects: Many women stop having periods when taking this drug. Common unwanted effects include stomach pain, feeling sick, headaches, dizziness, tiredness, weight gain, hot flushes and breast tenderness. What is it?

What is a natural alternative to tranexamic acid?

Additionally, a systematic review of three clinical trials found that ginger capsules and myrtle fruit syrup significantly reduced menstrual duration and blood loss compared to a placebo 4. Pomegranate flower capsules were also as good as tranexamic acid at reducing blood loss 4.

What is the best pill for melasma?

Tranexamic acid (TXA), an anti-fibrinolytic drug has shown promising results in patients with melasma. Evidence from several clinical studies has surfaced on efficacy and tolerability of TXA in these patients. It can be used as monotherapy or adjuvant with other therapies.

Which is better for hyperpigmentation, tranexamic acid or vitamin C?

Results: At the end of 8 weeks, MASI, PGA and PtGA showed improvement with both tranexamic acid and vitamin C. However the improvement was more with tranexamic acid than with vitamin C, although not statistically significant.

Does tranexamic cause hair loss?

Transient amnesia. Tremors. Hypomenorrhoea (excessive menstrual bleeding) or dysmenorrhoea (painful menstruation) Increased hair shedding.

What cream is good for stubborn melasma?

Best Creams for Melasma in India
  • Kojic Acid and Vitamin C Cream. Price: ₹95. This cream combines the brightening power of kojic acid and vitamin C. ...
  • Zeeglow Glycolic Acid, Arbutin, and Kojic Acid Cream. Price: ₹149. This cream offers a potent blend of glycolic acid, arbutin, and kojic acid to target melasma effectively.

Is tranexamic acid safer than hydroquinone?

This study revealed that intralesional tranexamic acid is the more effective and safe therapeutic modality in treating melasma than topical 4% hydroquinone.

What worsens melasma?

Ultraviolet and infrared radiation from the sun are key in making melasma worse. Other possible causes of melasma include: Antiseizure medications: Drugs that prevent you from having seizures may be a cause of melasma.

How to remove melasma from face permanently?

Currently there is no cure for melasma; however, there are several medications and procedures available to manage this condition. It is important to know that these treatment options may result in an incomplete response, meaning that some of the discolorations become lighter or disappear while some remain unchanged.

Which is better for melasma, azelaic acid or tranexamic acid?

One small study did reveal that a combination of oral and topical 3% tranexamic acid had a significantly better outcome than a combination of oral tranexamic acid and 20% azelaic acid. ¹⁰ This might suggest a stronger impact of TXA on melasma, but it's important to remember that research in this area is still limited.

What cancels out melasma?

Prioritizing your skincare routine and using products containing niacinamide, vitamin C and alpha hydroxy acids are essential for helping hyperpigmentation fade over time, celebrity makeup artist, Marco Antonio says. Applying a daily SPF is recommended for preventing and diminishing the appearance of melasma.

How did I cured my melasma naturally?

Aloe vera is a fantastic melasma treatment at home, known for its soothing and healing properties. Applying fresh aloe vera gel to affected areas can help reduce pigmentation and improve overall skin health. Leave the gel on for 20-30 minutes before rinsing.

Will melasma come back after tranexamic acid?

A growing body of evidence supports treating melasma with systemic or intradermal tranexamic acid. But melasma patients often relapse when they stop taking the antifibrinolytic agent, and research on tranexamic acid's long-term efficacy and safety is limited.

What is the disadvantage of tranexamic acid?

This medicine may increase your or your child's risk of developing blood clots. Check with your doctor right away if you or your child have swelling and pain in your arms, legs, or stomach, chest pain, trouble breathing, loss of sensation, confusion, or problems with muscle control or speech.

Why not to use tranexamic acid?

You should not use this medication if you are also using combination hormonal contraception because it may increase your chance of having a blood clot, heart attack, or stroke. Your risk is even higher if you are overweight, if you smoke cigarettes, or if you are over 35 years of age.

What not to do when taking tranexamic acid?

Do not chew or break tranexamic acid tablets. Swallow the whole tablet. Tranexamic acid will not stop your period, but it will likely decrease the amount of bleeding by about one-third.

Can tranexamic acid cause stroke?

Some studies have shown that TXA increases the risk of stroke [5]. Furthermore, although a meta-analysis noted that either mortality or thromboembolic events was few and was not increased in TXA group compared to non-treatment group, the authors still admonish for routine use of TXA in cardiac surgery [6].

Does tranexamic acid make your skin peel?

Tranexamic acid is one of the acids used for lightening pigment spots. However, it is never present in chemical peels, nor in oily and problem skin treatment. Despite popular belief that brightening the skin with acids always causes the skin's flaking and peeling, tranexamic acid works in a completely different way.

Does tranexamic acid make you tired?

your throat feels tight or you're struggling to swallow. your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet) you suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy. someone faints and cannot be woken up.

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