What is Cathflo activase?
Cathflo, or activase, also known as a "clot-busting drug", is a thrombolytic drug (throm-bolit-ik). Your body produces a substance to dissolve blood clots naturally and efficiently. Cathflo activase treats a stroke that is caused by a clot in a vessel or another obstruction. This medicine can also be used to prevent death due to a myocardial attack. Cathflo-activase can also be used to treat a blood clot that has formed in the lungs (pulmonary emphysema). Cathflo activase can also be used to dissolve blood clots around or inside a catheter that has been placed in a blood vessel. This increases the flow of blood or medicine injected through the catheter. Cathflo activase can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Cathflo activase
Helps the body produce an anticoagulant to break up unwanted blood clots.
Cathflo activase can increase your risk of severe or fatal bleeding. If you are experiencing bleeding that won't stop, call your doctor immediately or go to an emergency room. It could be from a surgical wound or the area where a needle has been inserted for a blood test. There may be bleeding inside your body as well, in the stomach, intestines, and brain.
Signs of bleeding could include:
- Feeling very weak and dizzy or having a sudden headache
- Bleeding gums, nosebleeds;
- Easy bruising
- Bleeding from a cut, an incision, a catheter, or a neo-injection;
- Bloody or tarry stool, vomiting blood, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- Red or pink urine
- Heavy menstrual bleeding or abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Speech or vision problems; sudden numbness (especially on one side);
Call your doctor immediately if you:
- Nausea; sweating.
- Swelling, rapid weight gain and little or no urine output.
- Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of severe stomach pain.
- Darkening of the fingers or toes
- Feeling light-headed and short of breath
- Sudden, severe pain in the back; muscle weakness, numbness, or loss of sensation in your arms and legs
- Increased blood pressure—headache, blurred vision, or pounding in the neck or ears; anxiety or nosebleed
- Pancreatitis: severe pain spreading from your upper stomach to your back and nausea
Bleeding occurs most commonly after taking alteplase.
There may be other side effects. Call your doctor if experiencing side effects; alternatively, reach out to the fda at 1-800-fda-1088 in order to report these.
Similar/related drugs
Warfarin, heparin, coumadin, alteplase, and jantoven
Warnings
Cathflo activase can increase your risk of severe or fatal bleeding, particularly from a surgical wound or the area where a needle has been inserted. If you experience bleeding that won't stop, seek emergency medical help.
Before you take this drug
Cathflo activase should not be used if:
- Active bleeding inside your body;
- A brain tumour, or aneurysm;
- A history of a head injury or surgery to your brain or spinal cord within the last 3 months.
- High blood pressure:
- A bleeding disorder or blood clotting condition such as haemophilia
- If you have received cathflo activase for a stroke, there may be bleeding in the brain.
- Recent stroke history (if you receive cathflo activase to treat pulmonary embolism)
Tell your doctor, if possible, before receiving cathflo activease if you've ever:
- Any type of stroke
- Bleeding in the brain, stomach, or intestines;
- High blood pressure
- Heart problems
- An infection in the lining of your lungs (also known as bacterial endocarditis);
- A serious injury or major operation;
- A severe bruise or infection in the vein area where an iv has been placed
- An organ biopsy;
- Diabetes can cause eye problems.
- Liver or kidney disease
- If you are breastfeeding or pregnant,
It may not be possible in an emergency to inform your carers that you are breastfeeding or pregnant. Cathflo activase should be mentioned to any doctor who is caring for you or your baby.
How to take Cathflo activase?
Cathflo activase can be given by infusion directly into a vein. An injection will be administered by a healthcare provider.
Cathflo activase should be administered within 3 hours of the first symptoms of a stroke or heart attack. You will be closely monitored for your breathing, blood pressure, and oxygen levels.
After receiving cathflo activase, you will be closely monitored for several hours to ensure that you don't have an allergic response to the drug. Cathflo activase can be given in one or two doses to remove blood clots that have formed on a catheter.
Your doctor may prescribe blood thinners or other medications to prevent blood clots in the future. Follow all instructions for dosage. These medications may make you bleed more easily, even if the injury is minor.
What happens if i miss the dose?
You are unlikely to miss a dosage of cathflo activase because you will be receiving it in a clinic setting.
What happens if i overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 if you suspect poison exposure and seek immediate medical advice or poison help, or seek urgent care immediately.
What should be avoided?
Consult your doctor before taking ibuprofen or aspirin (motrin and advil) shortly after receiving cathflo activase. These medications may increase your bleeding risk.
Avoid any activity that could increase your risk of bleeding or injury. Take extra precautions when shaving or brushing your teeth to minimize bleeding.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor of all medications taken, such as:
- Any medication that is used to prevent or treat blood clots
- A blood thinner (heparin; warfarin; coumadin; jantoven);
- Aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, and indomethacin are all nsaids.
This list is incomplete. Cathflo activase may be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins and herbs. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.
