ALTEPLASE
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ALTEPLASE Drug and Prescription Information
ALTEPLASE
ALTEPLASE Medication Classification
ALTEPLASE, RECOMBINANT (Injection)
ALTEPLASE Brandname
Activase, Cathflo Activase
ALTEPLASE is used for the Treatment
Alteplase, Recombinant (AL-te-plase re-KOM-bin-ant) Dissolves blood clots and is used in treating a heart attack, stroke, or pulmonary embolism (a clot in the artery of the lungs).
When To Not Use ALTEPLASE
Patients who have had an allergic reaction to alteplase should not receive this medicine. Because this medicine increases the risk of bleeding problems, some medical conditions may make using alteplase dangerous. These include any type of bleeding in your body (such as a bleeding ulcer), a brain tumor, a history of strokes, uncontrolled high blood pressure, a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia, recent (within the past 6 weeks) surgery or injury, or using a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®).
How Should You Use ALTEPLASE
Proper ALTEPLASE Storage
Store ALTEPLASE at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture unless otherwise stated by manufacturer's instructions or labelling. Keep ALTEPLASE and all medications out of the reach of children.
What To Avoid While Using ALTEPLASE
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- Make sure your doctor knows if you are using ticlopidine (Ticlid®), dipyridamole (Persantine®), warfarin (Coumadin®), heparin, or pain or arthritis medicines (such as aspirin, Motrin®, Advil®, or Aleve®).
ALTEPLASE Warnings
- Tell your doctor if you recently had a baby or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Make sure your doctor knows if you have had surgery or dental work recently, or stomach problems such as ulcers or colitis.
- Because of the way this medicine works, it may cause bleeding problems. Be extra careful to avoid injuries until the effects of the medicine have worn off. Do not get out of bed without help.
- Watch for any bleeding from open areas such around your IV. Also check for blood in your urine or bowel movements. If you have any bleeding or injuries, tell your doctor right away.
ALTEPLASE Side Effects
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
- Bloody urine
- Bloody or black tarry bowel movements
- Bloody vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- Coughing up blood
- Nosebleeds, bleeding from your gums, or any unexplained bruising or bleeding
- Heavy vaginal bleeding If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
