Retavase Half-Kit

Generic name: Reteplase [ RE-ta-plase ]
Brand names: Retavase, Retavase Half-Kit
Drug class: Thrombolytics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2024.

Uses of Retavase Half-Kit:

• It is used to treat a heart attack.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Retavase Half-Kit?

• If you have an allergy to reteplase or any other part of Retavase Half-Kit (reteplase).
• If you are allergic to Retavase Half-Kit (reteplase); any part of Retavase Half-Kit (reteplase); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have any of these health problems: Aneurysm, arteriovenous malformations, bleeding problems like bleeding in the brain, brain tumor, or high blood pressure.
• If you have had any of these health problems: Stroke; injury to the head, brain, or spine; or surgery on the brain or spine.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with Retavase Half-Kit (reteplase).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Retavase Half-Kit (reteplase) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Retavase Half-Kit?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take Retavase Half-Kit (reteplase). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• You may bleed more easily. Be careful and avoid injury. Use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor.
• Severe and sometimes deadly bleeding problems have happened with Retavase Half-Kit (reteplase).
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• This medicine may affect certain lab tests. Tell all of your health care providers and lab workers that you take Retavase Half-Kit (reteplase).
• Use care to prevent injury and avoid falls or crashes.
• If you are 65 or older, use Retavase Half-Kit (reteplase) with care. You could have more side effects.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using Retavase Half-Kit (reteplase) while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is this medicine (Retavase Half-Kit) best taken?

Use Retavase Half-Kit (reteplase) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• It is given as a shot into a vein.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Call your doctor to find out what to do.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of bleeding like throwing up or coughing up blood; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; blood in the urine; black, red, or tarry stools; bleeding from the gums; abnormal vaginal bleeding; bruises without a cause or that get bigger; or bleeding you cannot stop.
• Weakness on 1 side of the body, trouble speaking or thinking, change in balance, drooping on one side of the face, or blurred eyesight.
• Feeling very tired or weak.
• Rarely, a health problem called cholesterol embolism has happened with drugs like this one. This problem has also happened with some blood vessel procedures. Sometimes, this can be deadly. Call your doctor right away if you have a change in color of the skin to bluish, black, or purple. Call your doctor right away if you have a change in how much urine is passed; severe headache or dizziness; passing out; chest pain or pressure; change in eyesight; muscle pain or dark urine; or severe stomach pain, back pain, upset stomach, or throwing up.

Related/similar drugs

What are some other side effects of Retavase Half-Kit?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Retavase Half-Kit?

• If you need to store Retavase Half-Kit (reteplase) at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about Retavase Half-Kit (reteplase), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Retavase half-kit Biosimilars

Biosimilar and interchangeable products are biological products that are highly similar to and have no clinically meaningful differences from the reference product.

Reference products

These are biological products that have already been approved by the FDA, against which biosimilar products are compared. There is 1 for Retavase Half-Kit.

Frequently asked questions

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Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer