What is Activase? Uses, warnings & side effects

How to take Activase

• This medicine will be given to you while you are in the hospital. It is put directly into one of your veins.

• You may also receive other medicines, such as aspirin and heparin, with alteplase. These medicines help prevent more clots from forming.

• You will get a dose of the medicine right away. You will continue to get the medicine for about 1 to 3 hours, depending on the condition being treated. Caregivers will watch you closely to make sure the medicine is working and is not causing side effects.

• You may also receive other medicines, such as aspirin and heparin, with alteplase. These medicines help prevent more clots from forming.

• You will get a dose of the medicine right away. You will continue to get the medicine for about 1 to 3 hours, depending on the condition being treated. Caregivers will watch you closely to make sure the medicine is working and is not causing side effects.

• This medicine will be given to you while you are in the hospital. It is put directly into one of your veins.

What to do if you miss a dose of Activase

Activase contraindications - Who shouldn't take Activase?

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to alteplase, any type of bleeding in your body (such as a bleeding ulcer), a brain tumor, a history of strokes, uncontrolled high blood pressure, a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia, or head surgery or injury within the past 6 weeks.

Activase warnings

• Tell your doctor if you recently had a baby or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Tell your doctor if you had surgery or dental work recently, or stomach problems such as ulcers or colitis.

• This medicine may cause bleeding problems. Be extra careful to prevent injuries until the effects of the medicine have worn off. Do not get out of bed without help. Watch for any bleeding from open areas, such around your IV. Also check for blood in your urine or bowel movements.

• Nosebleeds, bleeding from your gums, or any unexplained bruising or bleeding

• Bloody vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds

• Coughing up blood

Activase interactions & what to avoid when taking Activase

• Some medicines may affect how alteplase works. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following: Blood pressure medicine, such as benazepril, enalapril, lisinoprilBlood thinner medicine, such as warfarin or heparinDipyridamolePain or arthritis medicine, such as aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib

• Tell your doctor if you had surgery or dental work recently, or stomach problems such as ulcers or colitis.

• This medicine may cause bleeding problems. Be extra careful to prevent injuries until the effects of the medicine have worn off. Do not get out of bed without help. Watch for any bleeding from open areas, such around your IV. Also check for blood in your urine or bowel movements.