Clear Skin Without Blemishes, But Wrong Drug Use—Doctor Warns of Blood Clot Risk
A doctor warns against self-medicating with tranexamic acid, a blood-clotting medication being illegally promoted online as a skin-clearing drug, as improper use risks serious thrombosis especially for smokers and those on contraceptives.
Wanting beautiful skin but using the wrong medication carries greater dangers than expected. Clear skin without blemishes sounds appealing, but it increases the risk of blood clots.
The 'Near Doctor Jim' Facebook page has posted a warning about improper drug use, stating: 'Warning again about Tranexamic Acid being used as a 'blemish-reducing drug'—don't buy and take it on your own. It may not just be a skin issue; blood clots could genuinely be a problem.'
Transexamic Acid is a medication doctors use to stop bleeding, such as for abnormally heavy menstrual periods or post-surgical bleeding. Recently, however, it's been promoted for 'reducing blemishes and brightening skin,' leading many people to self-medicate based on online reviews.
Uninformed sellers have been promoting it on LINE without understanding its health effects, driven purely by profit. People are continuously taking it without realizing it's not a vitamin. This medication affects the blood clotting system, and improper use—especially in people who:
* Smoke * Take oral contraceptives * Are older * Have vascular disease * Or already have blood clot risk factors
—can significantly increase the risk of thrombosis. Some people take it wanting their blemishes to fade, but don't realize that leg pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, or facial numbness could be serious warning signs not to ignore.
Another common misconception: people think reduced menstrual flow means the drug is working well. But this happens because it's a 'blood-stopping medication'—that doesn't mean it's safe to take continuously on your own every day. Blemishes should be treated by assessing the underlying cause, not by risking your health based on internet reviews. Your skin may improve, but your overall health must not suffer in the process.