Major bleeds must be treated with tranexamic acid (TXA) as fast as possible since deaths occur quickly and the drug’s life-saving benefits diminish with each passing minute, according to a new study published in The Lancet.

Tranexamic acid reduces bleeding after trauma and childbirth by preventing blood clots from breaking down. It is inexpensive, heat stable and simple to administer intravenously.

An inexpensive and widely available drug could save the lives of one in three mothers who would otherwise bleed to death after childbirth, according to a major study published in The Lancet.

The global trial of 20,000 women found that death due to bleeding was reduced by 31% if the treatment was given within three hours.