Efficacy in obstetric bleeds?
In birth centers where no blood products are available, obstetric hemorrhage is a major cause of maternal death. Uterotonics, such as misoprostol and oxytocin, play a major role in helping reduce morbidity and mortality associated with OB hemorrhage, but the search has continued for additional agents to reduce the rate of maternal death from postpartum bleeding.
In two pilot studies, researchers reported that administering tranexamic acid to parturient women reduced the volume of postpartum blood loss.6 A multi-center, randomized trial of tranexamic acid (1 g, given intravenously) to treat women who have postpartum hemorrhage is under way.7
Another option to consider
In many countries of Europe, tranexamic acid has been available by prescription for decades. There, its track record of efficacy and safety is good. (In some, the drug can be purchased over-the-counter.) From what clinical trials, and experience abroad, have demonstrated, tranexamic acid will be useful for treating heavy menstrual bleeding.
Four common treatments: Which one is least effective for heavy menstrual bleeding?
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