Cathflo Activase
Generic name:alteplase [ AL-te-plase ]
Brand names: Activase, Cathflo Activase
Drug class:Thrombolytics
What is Cathflo Activase?
Cathflo 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.
Cathflo 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).
Cathflo Activase is also used to treat a blood clot in the lung (pulmonary embolism).
Cathflo 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.
Cathflo Activase may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Cathflo 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 Cathflo 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
severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure;
a bleeding or blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia;
bleeding inside your brain (if you are receiving Cathflo Activase to treat a stroke); or
a recent history of stroke (if you are receiving Cathflo Activase for pulmonary embolism).
If possible before you receive Cathflo Activase, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
any type of stroke;
bleeding in your brain, stomach, intestines, or urinary tract;
high blood pressure;
heart problems;
an infection of the lining of your heart (also called bacterial endocarditis);
a serious injury or major surgery;
severe bruising or infection around a vein where an IV was placed;
an organ biopsy;
eye problems caused by diabetes;
liver or kidney disease; or
