Generic Name: alteplase, recombinant (Intravenous route)
AL-te-plase, ree-KOM-bi-nant
Commonly used brand name(s):
In the U.S.
Available Dosage Forms:
Therapeutic Class: Thrombolytic
Pharmacologic Class: Tissue Plasminogen Activator
Alteplase is used to dissolve blood clots that have formed in the blood vessels. It is used immediately after symptoms of a heart attack occur to improve patient survival. It is also used after symptoms of a stroke and to treat blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism) .
Alteplase is used to dissolve blood clots in tubes (catheters) that are placed in large blood vessels (central venous access devices) .
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription .
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Heart attack, stroke, pulmonary embolism—Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of alteplase in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established .
Central venous access devices—Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatrics-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of alteplase in children .
Heart attack, stroke, pulmonary embolism—No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of alteplase in geriatric patients .
Central venous access devices—Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatrics-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of alteplase in the elderly .
Pregnancy Category | Explanation | |
---|---|---|
All Trimesters | C | Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women OR no animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women. |
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
This section provides information on the proper use of a number of products that contain alteplase, recombinant. It may not be specific to Activase. Please read with care.
A doctor or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. This medicine is given through a needle or tube placed into one of your blood vessels .
Alteplase can cause bleeding that usually is not serious. However, serious bleeding may occur in some people. To help prevent serious bleeding, carefully follow any instructions given by your doctor. Move around as little as possible, and do not get out of bed on your own, unless your doctor tells you it is all right to do so.
Watch for any bleeding or oozing on your skin, such as around the place of injection or where blood was drawn from your arm. Also, check for blood in your urine or bowel movements. If you have any bleeding or injuries, tell your doctor or nurse right away .
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More commonOther side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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