What is Retavase?
Retavase, also known as a thrombolytic drug (THROM-boLIT-uk), is sometimes referred to as a "clot-busting" drug. It is a thrombolytic drug that helps the body produce a substance that dissolves unwanted blood clots.Retavase improves heart function and helps prevent congestive heart failure. It can also help prevent death for people who have suffered a myocardial attack.This medication guide does not list all possible uses for Retavase.
Side effects of Retavase
If you experience any of the following symptoms: hives, skin rash, or itching; difficulty breathing; swelling in your face, lips, and throat; or difficulty breathing, seek emergency medical attention.If you experience bleeding that won't stop, call your doctor immediately or go to an emergency room. You may experience bleeding from an incision, where a needle has been inserted for a blood test, or when receiving injectable medications. Bleeding can also occur inside your body. This could be in your stomach, intestines, kidneys, bladder, brain, or even within your muscles.
If you notice any signs of internal bleeding, including:
- Easy bruising and bleeding (nosebleeds or bleeding gums; bleeding from an incision or catheter or from an injection);
- Bloody or tarry stool, vomiting blood, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- Red or pink urine
- Sudden numbness, weakness, or headache (especially on one side), slurred or shaky speech, or problems with balance or vision
Call your doctor immediately if you:
- Nausea or sweating are symptoms of chest pain.
- A severe headache can cause blurred vision or pounding in the neck and ears.
- There is rapid weight gain, swelling and little to no urinating.
- Severe pain spreading from your upper abdomen to your back and nausea with vomiting
- Darkening of the fingers or toes
- Feeling light-headed, having very slow heartbeats, and feeling short of breath
- Sudden, severe pain in the back, muscle weakness, or loss of sensation, especially in the arms and legs,
Nausea is a common side effect.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor.To report adverse effects, you can contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Lisinopril, Metoprolol, Aspirin, Clopidogrel, Plavix, and Brilinta
Warnings
Before receiving Retavase, tell your doctor, if possible, if there is a brain aneurysm or tumor, high blood pressure or hemophilia, a stroke history, or if you've recently undergone surgery or had a recent head injury.
Before you take this drug
Retavase should not be used if:
- Active bleeding inside your body;
- A bleeding or blood-clotting disorder, such as hemophilia.
- A brain tumor or blood vessel disease;
- Aneurysm of the brain (dilated vessel);
- Uncontrolled, severe high blood pressure
- A history of stroke
- Recent head injuries or brain or spinal-cord surgery
Tell your doctor, if possible, before receiving Retavase if you've ever:
- A major surgery, medical injury, or trauma;
- Bleeding in the brain, stomach, or intestines;
- A stroke;
- High blood pressure
You may not be able to tell your caregivers what you are going through in an emergency. Be sure that any doctor who treats you in the future knows you took Retavase.Before you take Retavase, tell your caregivers that you are pregnant. Also, make sure your doctor, who is caring for you or your child, knows about this medication.
How to take Retavase?
Infusion of Retavase into the vein is how it's administered. This injection will be given by a healthcare provider.Retavase can be given as two 30-minute-apart injections.Retavase can interfere with certain medical tests. Retavase can affect the results of certain medical tests.
What happens if I miss the dose?
You are unlikely to miss a Retavase dose because you will be receiving it in a clinic setting.
What happens if I overdose?
Overdoses are unlikely because this medication is administered by a health professional in a medical environment.
What should be avoided?
Consult your doctor before taking ibuprofen or aspirin (Motrin and Advil) shortly after receiving Retavase. These medications may increase the risk of bleeding.Avoid any activity that could increase your risk of bleeding or injury. Take extra precautions to avoid bleeding when shaving or brushing your teeth.
Interaction with other drug
Inform your doctor of any other medication you are taking, such as:
- A blood thinner (Warfarin Coumadin Jantoven)
This list is incomplete. Retavase may be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins and herbs. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.
