Generic name:alteplase [ AL-te-plase ]
Brand names: Activase, Cathflo Activase
Drug class:Thrombolytics
What is Activase?
Activase is a thrombolytic (THROM-bo-LIT-ik) drug, sometimes called a "clot-busting" drug. It helps your body produce a substance that dissolves unwanted blood clots.
Activase is used to treat a stroke caused by a blood clot or other obstruction in a blood vessel. This medicine is also used to prevent death from a heart attack (acute myocardial infarction).
Activase is also used to treat a blood clot in the lung (pulmonary embolism).
Activase is also used to dissolve blood clots that have formed in or around a catheter placed inside a blood vessel. This improve the flow of medicines injected in through the catheter, or blood drawn out through the catheter.
Activase may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Activase increases your risk of severe or fatal bleeding, especially from a surgical incision, or from the skin where a needle was inserted. Seek emergency help if you have any bleeding that will not stop.
Before taking this medicine
You should not be treated with Activase if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
active bleeding inside your body;
a brain tumor or aneurysm (dilated blood vessel);
a history of head injury or surgery on your brain or spinal cord within the past 3 months; or...
