retaplase Health Article

Generic name(s):

retaplase

Brand name(s):

reteplase, Retavase

What is the most important information I should know about retaplase?

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to retaplase, or if you have a bleeding disorder, a brain tumor or aneurysm, uncontrolled high blood pressure, a history of stroke or blood clots, or recent brain or spinal injury or surgery.

Before using retaplase, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, eye complications caused by diabetes, an infection of the lining of your heart, or if you have had any recent surgery, injury, or major bleeding.

Tell your doctor if you take aspirin, a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin), or any medications to prevent blood clots, such as abciximab (ReoPro), dipyridamole (Persantine), and others.

Tell your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as sudden numbness or weakness, confusion, problems with speech or vision, chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, fast or slow heart rate, darkening or purple discoloration of your fingers or toes, blood in your urine or stools, pale skin, easy bruising, or any bleeding that will not stop.

What is retaplase?

Retaplase is a thrombolytic (THROM-bo-LIT-ik) drug that is used to dissolve blood clots.

Retaplase is used to improve heart function and prevent congestive heart failure or death in people who have had a heart attack.

Retaplase may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before I receive retaplase?

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to retaplase, or if you have certain conditions. Be sure your doctor knows if you have:

• any active bleeding;

• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder;

• a brain tumor, aneurysm, or blood vessel disorder;

• untreated or uncontrolled high blood pressure;

• a history of stroke or blood clot; or

• recent spine or brain injury or surgery.

Before you receive retaplase, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• kidney disease;

• liver disease;

• eye complications caused by diabetes;

• an infection of the lining of your heart (also called bacterial endocarditis); or

• if you have had any recent surgery, injury, or major bleeding.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely receive this medicaiton.

FDA pregnancy category C. Retaplase may be harmful to an unborn baby. Before receiving this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether retaplase passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is retaplase given?

Retaplase is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting.

Retaplase is usually given in two quick injections through an IV line. These injection are given 30 minutes apart.

This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you have received retaplase.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since retaplase is given only when needed by a healthcare professional, it is not likely that you will miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of retaplase is not likely to occur.

What should I avoid after receiving retaplase?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are using retaplase.