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Activase (Intravenous)

Generic name: alteplase, recombinantAL-te-plase, ree-KOM-bi-nant ]
Brand names: Activase, Cathflo Activase
Drug class: Thrombolytics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 28, 2023.

Uses for Activase

Alteplase injection is used to dissolve blood clots that have formed in the blood vessels. It is used immediately after symptoms of a heart attack occur to improve patient survival. It is also used after symptoms of a stroke and to treat blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism).

Alteplase is used to dissolve blood clots in tubes (catheters) that are placed in large blood vessels (central venous access devices).

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before using Activase

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Heart attack, stroke, pulmonary embolism—Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of alteplase injection in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Central venous access devices—Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of alteplase injection in children.

Geriatric

Heart attack, stroke, pulmonary embolism—No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of alteplase in geriatric patients.

Central venous access devices—Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of alteplase in the elderly.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

Proper use of Activase

A doctor or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. This medicine is given through a needle or tube placed into one of your blood vessels.

lisinopril, aspirin, metoprolol, clopidogrel, Eliquis, warfarin, apixaban, Xarelto, Plavix, rivaroxaban

Precautions while using Activase

Alteplase can cause bleeding that usually is not serious. However, serious bleeding may occur in some people. To help prevent serious bleeding, carefully follow any instructions given by your doctor. Move around as little as possible, and do not get out of bed on your own, unless your doctor tells you it is all right to do so.

Watch for any bleeding or oozing on your skin, such as around the place of injection or where blood was drawn from your arm. Also, check for blood in your urine or bowel movements. If you have any bleeding or injuries, tell your doctor or nurse right away.

Side Effects of Activase

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Rare

Incidence not known

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

Available Dosage Forms:

Therapeutic Class: Thrombolytic

Pharmacologic Class: Tissue Plasminogen Activator

Biological Products Related to Activase

Find detailed information on biosimilars for this medication.

Frequently asked questions

Further information

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