Alteplase Inj Warnings
Alteplase Inj Uses
This medication is used to dissolve blood clots that may form within certain tubes (catheters) used for intravenous (IV) injections. IV catheters are used in people who need to regularly receive injections into a vein during treatment (e.g., chemotherapy, dialysis). Blood clots that block the catheter prevent its use and can make it necessary to replace the catheter. This medication can prevent the need to place a new catheter in your vein.
How to use Alteplase InjRead and learn all preparation and usage instructions supplied by the manufacturer. Follow all instructions for proper mixing with the correct IV fluid (sterile water for injection). After mixing, do not shake the vial. Before using, check the product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. If any of the information is unclear, consult your pharmacist.
This medication is given by slow injection into the blocked catheter, usually by a health care professional. Dosage is based on the volume inside the catheter, type of catheter, and patient's weight.
If the catheter does not open within 2 hours after the first dose, a second dose may be placed. Consult the doctor.
Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist for details.
Alteplase Inj Side Effects
This medication usually has very few side effects. If you have any unusual effects from using this medicine, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, persistent sore throat).
If this medication accidentally leaks outside of the catheter when it is given, serious side effects may rarely occur. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following: bleeding at/near the catheter insertion site, other symptoms of bleeding (e.g., easy bruising, bleeding gums, pink/bloody urine, black/bloody stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, dizziness, lightheadedness), symptoms of a blood clot (e.g., swelling/pain in arm or near catheter).
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Alteplase Inj Precautions
Before receiving alteplase, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
Before receiving this medication, tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: blood disorders (e.g., low platelets), recent childbirth, current infection, kidney problems, liver problems, recent surgery or medical procedures (e.g., biopsy, blood test).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Alteplase Inj Interactions
Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.
Before receiving this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), antiplatelet drugs (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel, abciximab).
Low-dose aspirin should be continued if prescribed by your doctor for specific medical reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams per day). Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
Alteplase Inj Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: unusual bleeding.
NOTES:Keep all regular medical and laboratory appointments.
MISSED DOSE:Not applicable.
STORAGE:Store the unmixed vials in the refrigerator between 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C) away from light. Do not freeze.
After mixing, store in the refrigerator or at room temperature between 36-86 degrees F (2-30 degrees C). Use or discard within 8 hours.
Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Information last revised October 2008 Copyright(c) 2008 First DataBank, Inc.
