What is Reteplase?
Reteplase, 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.Reteplase improves heart function and helps prevent congestive failure of the heart. It can also help prevent death for people who have suffered a myocardial attack.This medication guide does not list all possible uses for Reteplase.
Side effects of Reteplase
If you experience any of the following symptoms: hives, skin rash, or itching; difficulty breathing; swelling on your face, lips, and tongue; 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 a needle 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 or pressure.
- A severe headache can cause blurred vision or pounding in the neck and ears.
- Weight gain and swelling are rapid, but there is little or no urination.
- Severe pain spreading from your upper abdomen to your back and nausea with vomiting
- Darkening of the fingers or toes
- Feeling light-headed, short of breath, or having very slow heartbeats
- Sudden severe pain in the back, muscle weakness or numbness, or even 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.Contact the FDA by dialing 1-800-FDA-1088 in order to report side effects.
Warnings
Before receiving reteplase, you should tell your doctor, if possible, whether you have a stroke history, a recent head injury, or have had surgery on the brain or spinal cord.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to reteplase, or you:
- 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 reteplase if you've ever:
- A major surgery, a medical trauma, or an injury.
- 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. Ensure that any doctor who treats you in the future knows that you have received reteplase.Before you start taking reteplase, tell your doctor that you are pregnant.
How to take Reteplase?
Infusion of Reteplase into the vein is how it's administered. This injection will be given by a healthcare provider.Reteplase can be given as two 30-minute-apart injections.It can interfere with certain medical tests. Tell your doctor that you use reteplase.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for myocardial infarction:
As soon as possible, 10 units are administered as an IV bolus over 2 minute intervals. 30 minutes later, a second injection of 10 units is administered over the same 2-minute intervals.
If bleeding is severe (not controlled by local pressure), discontinue any anticoagulant treatment and do not administer a second reteplase dose.
In the GUSTO 5 trial, half-dose reteplase (5 units) was used in combination with Abciximab.
What happens if I miss the dose?
You are unlikely to miss a reteplase dose because you will be receiving it in a clinical environment.
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 reteplase. These medications may increase the risk of bleeding.Avoid any activities that could increase your risk of injury or bleeding. Take extra precautions to avoid bleeding when shaving or brushing your teeth.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor about your other medications, including:
- A blood thinner (Warfarin Coumadin Jantoven)
This list is incomplete. Other drugs, such as vitamins and herbs, may also affect reteplase. This list does not include all drug interactions.
