As you age, you may have different goals for your bleeding disorders treatment that change over time. It can be important to learn about all your options, but you may have questions. This section has answers to common questions about antifibrinolytics. This section can help you develop your own set of questions to ask your health care provider to work together find the best treatment option.

What is this treatment for?

Antifibrinolytics can be used to treat mouth and nose bleeds, as well as heavy and long-lasting periods (heavy menstrual bleeding). It is often an extra medication used for specific situations on top of your regular preventative treatment.1 For example, your health care provider may recommend using it before you need major dental work.

How does this treatment work in the body?

So really the name “antifibrinolytics” says it all. “Anti” is against; “fibrin” is the protein needed to make blood clots; and “lytics” means related to “lysis” which is breaking down. Put it all together and these medications work against fibrin being broken down to make sure the blood clots.

How is this treatment given?

Antifibrinolytics are given by mouth as a tablet or syrup. It can also be given into a vein (intravenous or “IV”) which may happen for medical procedures.1

How much of this treatment is normally given?

The dosage depends on many things including the person’s weight, their diagnosis, and the nature of the bleeding. Your health care provider will determine the correct dose of this medication.

Who can use this treatment?

Antifibrinolytics can be used in people who have a diagnosis of hemophilia A, hemophilia B, von Willebrand Disease (VWD), and some ultra-rare bleeding disorders.

What are the benefits?

Some benefits of taking antifibrinolytics include:

  • Prevents the breakdown of clots.
  • Can be taken in tablet or syrup form.
  • Can be used for people with the potential to menstruate who have multiple types of bleeding disorders.
What are the limitations?

Some of the limitations of taking antifibrinolytics include:

  • Works for short time period only for specific bleeding (mouth, nose, menstrual)
  • Not for ongoing prevention
  • May need dose of other treatment option before using an antifibrinolytic.
  • May not be able to use with certain other treatments1.
What are the other names for this treatment?

Other names for antifibrinolytics are:

Aminocaproic acid

  • Amicar®

Tranexamic acid

  • Lysteda®
  • Cyklokapron®
It is best to speak with your health care provider to determine if this treatment option will work for you.
 

If you want more information about FDA-approved products for the treatment of bleeding disorders, please go to Products Licensed in the US.

 

References

  1. NBDF's Medical and Scientific Advisory Council. (2022). MASAC Recommendations Concerning Products Licensed for the Treatment of Hemophilia and Other Bleeding Disorders (MASAC 272). National Bleeding Disorders Foundation. https://www.hemophilia.org/healthcare-professionals/guidelines-on-care/masac-documents/masac-document-272-masac-recommendations-concerning-products-licensed-for-the-treatment-of-hemophilia-and-other-bleeding-disorders