A 17-year-old female asks for tranexamic acid for heavy menstrual bleeding. What is the most appropriate course of action?

A 17-year-old female asks for tranexamic acid for heavy menstrual bleeding. What is the most appropriate course of action?

• A. Provide dose and advise to start today
• B. Refuse supply and refer to GP
• C. Advise she can take it OTC without concern
• D. Suggest NSAID instead

Answer: (B)

Tranexamic acid for heavy menstrual bleeding is a prescription-only medicine that requires medical assessment before use, especially in a minor. A 17-year-old presenting with heavy menses needs evaluation for potential underlying causes and appropriate safety screening (including history of thrombosis, kidney function, pregnancy status, and other risk factors). Because of these safety considerations and the need for a clinician to determine suitability and dosing, the best course is to refuse supply and refer to a GP for an assessment. Providing a dose today would bypass necessary medical review, and stating it can be taken OTC is not correct for this medication. Suggesting an NSAID alone might help with symptoms but does not address the need for a proper evaluation or determine if TXA is appropriate.

Tranexamic acid for heavy menstrual bleeding is a prescription-only medicine that requires medical assessment before use, especially in a minor. A 17-year-old presenting with heavy menses needs evaluation for potential underlying causes and appropriate safety screening (including history of thrombosis, kidney function, pregnancy status, and other risk factors). Because of these safety considerations and the need for a clinician to determine suitability and dosing, the best course is to refuse supply and refer to a GP for an assessment.

Providing a dose today would bypass necessary medical review, and stating it can be taken OTC is not correct for this medication. Suggesting an NSAID alone might help with symptoms but does not address the need for a proper evaluation or determine if TXA is appropriate.