Is Tranexamic Acid Safe in Pregnancy

Status

caution Last reviewed: 2026-05-16 · Confidence: moderate

Reason

Limited pregnancy data. FDA labels note placental transfer and no clear first-trimester safety data.

Drug Information

Brand Name
Lysteda, Cyklokapron
Generic Name
tranexamic acid
Drug Class
antifibrinolytic
FDA Category
N/A (PLLR narrative label)
Rx Status
prescription

Safe Amount

Dosage must be determined by your provider based on individual risk/benefit.

Effects

Pregnancy
Not indicated for routine use in pregnancy. Use only if your prescriber thinks the benefit outweighs the risk.
Mother
May help control serious bleeding when needed. It can increase clot risk in some people, so provider review is important.
Baby
Placental transfer occurs. First-trimester human data are limited. No clear pattern of harm has been identified, but data are limited.

Trimester Notes

1st Trimester
There are no reports or very limited data for first-trimester use in FDA labeling; risk to major birth defects is not clear.
2nd Trimester
Published human data in the second trimester are limited, with no clear drug-associated risk identified in labeling.
3rd Trimester
FDA labeling reports published use in the second and third trimester and at delivery without a clear drug-related risk, but data are limited.

Conditions & Warnings

  • Consult OB/GYN or prescriber
  • History of blood clots
  • Kidney disease
  • Bleeding disorder
  • Use of hormonal contraception
  • Upcoming delivery or surgery

Alternatives

  • Treat the bleeding cause with your OB/GYN or prescriber
  • Non-drug measures only if your clinician advises them
  • Other pregnancy-appropriate treatments your prescriber recommends

References

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