More than 600,000 people die annually due to trauma that results in severe blood loss. A study shows that such lives can be saved with the use of a particular drug called Tranexamic Acid or TXA. When a patient is bleeding profusely, this type of medication could save their life. The studies done by Dr. Ian Roberts of the UK also indicate that there aren’t any adverse effects from the use of this medication in regards to blood clotting.

In a trial that was called CRASH 3, 20,000 adult patients in 40 different countries were given TXA. The results are excellent and the cost is about $4.50 per gram – a very small price to pay in order to save a life. In some small trials, the use of TXA to help patients suffering major blood loss during surgery have been successful too.

Further studies must be done in regards to the long term effects of TXA though. For example there are theories that it could result in heart attack, stroke, or blood clots developing in the lungs. Should this medication prove not to cause such side effects though it could be a medical breakthrough that saves many lives.

Image Credit: