Alteplase, TPA injection

What is alteplase injection?

ALTEPLASE (Activase®) can dissolve blood clots that form in the heart, blood vessels, or lungs after a heart attack, or some other disease process. Alteplase is called a thrombolytic agent and works best when it is given soon after the onset of heart attack symptoms. Generic alteplase injections are not yet available.

What should my health care professional know before I receive alteplase?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• aneurysm

• bleeding problems or problems with blood clotting

• blood vessel disease or damaged blood vessels

• diabetic retinopathy

• head injury or tumor

• high blood pressure

• infection

• irregular heartbeats

• receiving intramuscular injections

• recent biopsy or surgery

• an unusual or allergic reaction to alteplase, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Alteplase is for injection into a vein. It is given by a health-care professional in a clinic or hospital setting.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What drug(s) may interact with alteplase?

• antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)

• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines

• blood thinners, like warfarin, heparin or enoxaparin

• dipyridamole

• fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids) supplements

• plicamycin

• some antibiotics

• sulfinpyrazone

• valproic acid

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking alteplase?

You will be closely monitored to check your progress after you have received alteplase. Follow your prescriber's advice exactly; you may need bed rest to minimize the risk of bleeding.

Alteplase can make you bleed more freely; this effect can last for several days. Try to avoid damage to your teeth and gums when you brush or floss your teeth, and to avoid any other injury to yourself.

Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen, or other nonprescription pain relievers during or for several days after alteplase treatment unless otherwise instructed by your prescriber or health care professional.

You may feel dizzy or lightheaded. To avoid the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, sit or stand up slowly, especially if you are an older patient.

What side effects may I notice from receiving alteplase?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• blood in the urine, stools, or vomit

• chest pain or tightness

• constipation

• fever

• severe headache

• shortness of breath

• skin rash

• slow or fast heart rate

• swelling of your face, lips, or tongue (rare)

• unusual bleeding, bruising, or purple spots on the skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• dizziness, lightheadedness

• nausea, vomiting

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

After mixing use at once; throw away any unused portions.