Does Tranexamic Acid Interact with Tretinoin?
Tranexamic Acid and Tretinoin have a major drug interaction according to U.S. FDA drug labeling data. Not recommended in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia due to possible exacerbation of the procoagulant effect of all-trans retinoic acid. The mechanism involves exacerbation of procoagulant effect. Patients taking both medications should consult their healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing the dosage of either drug. This information is based on official FDA drug labeling sourced from OpenFDA and the NIH National Library of Medicine.
- Severity
- Major
- Tranexamic Acid Class
- Antifibrinolytic Agent
- Tretinoin Class
- Retinoid
- Management
- Close medical supervision required
- Data Source
- U.S. FDA via OpenFDA
How This Interaction Works
The interaction between Tranexamic Acid and Tretinoin occurs because exacerbation of procoagulant effect. Clinically, this means not recommended in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia due to possible exacerbation of the procoagulant effect of all-trans retinoic acid. This is classified as a major interaction, meaning it could cause serious harm if not properly managed. Your healthcare provider may need to adjust dosages, substitute one medication, or increase monitoring frequency.
What To Tell Your Doctor or Pharmacist
If you are taking Tranexamic Acid and your doctor is considering prescribing Tretinoin (or vice versa), make sure to:
- Inform your doctor and pharmacist of all current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
- Ask whether the benefits of combining these medications outweigh the risks for your specific situation
- Ask what symptoms to watch for that would indicate the interaction is causing problems
- Ask how frequently you should be monitored while these are co-prescribed
- Ask whether any dosage adjustments are needed
- Never stop or change either medication without first consulting your healthcare provider