ACTIVASE

Drug Name: ACTIVASE

ACTIVASE DESCRIPTION:
ALTEPLASE - INJECTION (AL-teh-plays)

COMMON ACTIVASE BRAND NAME(S):
Activase

ACTIVASE SIDE EFFECTS:
Nausea, vomiting, dizziness or mild fever may occur. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you experience: easy bruising or bleeding, skin rash, trouble breathing, rapid or abnormal heartbeat, chest pain. Immediately report any signs of bleeding to your doctor. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE ACTIVASE:
ACTIVASE: ACTIVASE is given by injection within 6 hours of chest pain by a health care professional. It is usually given over a two to three hour period. Continued or repeated doses are not usually required. It is important ACTIVASE be used as prescribed. It is most effective when administered as soon as possible after symptoms of a heart attack appear.

ACTIVASE USES:
ACTIVASE is an enzyme which works to break up and dissolve blood clots which can block arteries. It is used in the treatment of an acute heart attack or pulmonary embolism.

ACTIVASE PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: bleeding disorders, high blood pressure, recent injury or surgery, liver disease, endocarditis, any allergies. Use extra caution to avoid injury and trauma while using this medication due to the increased risk of bleeding. ACTIVASE should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if ACTIVASE appears in breast milk. Consult with your doctor before breast-feeding.

ACTIVASE DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take including: "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), aspirin. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

ACTIVASE OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include easy bruising, bleeding under the skin, fatigue, dizziness, weakness, dark stool, or coffee-ground vomit.

ACTIVASE NOTES:
Laboratory tests will be done frequently while using this medication to monitor its effects and to prevent side effects.

MISSED ACTIVASE DOSE:
Continued or repeated doses are usually not necessary for ACTIVASE.

ACTIVASE STORAGE:
Store in a cool area as directed and protect from light. Discard any unused medication after the expiration date on the label.