reteplase

What is the most important information I should know about reteplase?

What is reteplase?

Reteplase is a thrombolytic (THROM-bo-LIT-ik) drug, sometimes called a "clot-busting" drug. It helps your body produce a substance that dissolves unwanted blood clots.

Reteplase is used to improve heart function and prevent congestive heart failure or death in people who have had a heart attack (acute myocardial infarction).

Reteplase may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before I receive reteplase?

• active bleeding inside your body;
• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia;
• a brain tumor or blood vessel disorder;
• a brain aneurysm (dilated blood vessel);
• severe uncontrolled high blood pressure;
• a history of stroke; or
• a recent history of head injury, or surgery on your brain or spinal cord.

If possible before you receive reteplase, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• a major surgery, medical trauma, or injury;
• bleeding in your brain, stomach, intestines, or urinary tract;
• a stroke; or
• high blood pressure.

In an emergency, you may not be able to tell caregivers about your health conditions. Make sure any doctor caring for you afterward knows you received this medicine.

If possible before you receive reteplase, tell your caregivers if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Make sure any doctor caring for your pregnancy or your baby knows you received this medicine.

How is reteplase given?

Reteplase is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Reteplase is usually given in two injections 30 minutes apart.

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using reteplase.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Because you will receive reteplase in a clinical setting, you are not likely to miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Since this medication is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid after receiving reteplase?

Avoid activities that may increase your risk of bleeding or injury. Use extra care to prevent bleeding while shaving or brushing your teeth.

What are the possible side effects of reteplase?

• easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums, bleeding from a wound, incision, catheter, or needle injection);
• bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
• red or pink urine; or
• sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance.

• chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating;
• severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears;
• swelling, rapid weight gain, little or no urinating;
• severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting;
• darkening or purple discoloration of your fingers or toes;
• very slow heartbeats, shortness of breath, feeling light-headed; or
• sudden severe back pain, muscle weakness, numbness or loss of feeling in your arms or legs.

Common side effects may include nausea.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect reteplase?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect reteplase, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about reteplase.