Reteplase: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

Use

What is reteplase medicine for?

Reteplase is a thrombolytic drug used to thin blood clots. Reteplase is commonly used to improve heart function and prevent congestive heart failure or death in people having a heart attack.

Reteplase may also be used for other purposes not specified in the instructions for this medication.

How do you use Reteplase?

Reteplase is injected into a vein through an IV. The medical service provider will provide this injection.

Reteplase is usually given in 2 injections with a interval of 30 minutes.

This medication may cause unusual results on certain medical tests. Tell your treating doctor that you have received a reteplase injection.

How to save Reteplase?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the Reteplase dosage for adults?

10 units are given in 2 minutes as IV boluses as soon as possible after symptoms acute myocardial infarction (AMI) appeared, followed by a second 10-unit bolus IV injection also given for 2 minutes.

If serious bleeding (uncontrolled with local pressure) occurs prior to administration of the second bolus, discontinue concurrent anticoagulant therapy and do not administer a second bolus reteplase.

Half a dose of reteplase (5 units) has been used in the GUSTO V trial in combination with abciximab.

What is the dosage of Reteplase for children?

There is no provision for the dosage of this drug for children. This medicine can be dangerous for children. It is important to understand the safety of drugs before use. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

In what dosages and preparations is reteplase available?

Reteplase is available in the following dosages:

Kit, intravenous 10.4 units.

Side effects

What side effects may occur with reteplase?

Seek immediate medical help if you experience any of the following signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your doctor right away if you have serious side effects, such as:

• Sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden headache, confusion, disturbances in vision, speech or balance
• Chest pain, sudden coughing, wheezing, rapid breathing
• Heart beat fast, slow, irregular
• Feel like you might pass out
• Weak heart rate, fainting, slow breathing (breathing may stop)
• Discoloration of fingers or toes
• Blood in urine
• Dark or bloody stools
• Coughing up or vomiting blood
• Bleeding from the injection site
• Pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding that doesn't stop.

Less serious side effects:

• Nausea
• Gag
• Fever.

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions & Warnings

What to know before using Reteplase?

Before using certain drugs, consider the risks and benefits first. This is a decision you and your doctor will have to make. For this drug, pay attention to the following:

Allergy

Tell your doctor if you have any unusual or allergic reactions to this or any other medicine. Also tell your doctor if you have any other types of allergies such as to food, coloring, preservatives, or animal allergies. For over-the-counter products, read the labels on the packaging carefully.

Children

Research to date has not shown an association of age with the effects of reteplase in the pediatric population. Safety and effectiveness have not been determined

Elderly

No information is available regarding the relationship of age and the effects of reteplase in elderly patients. However, the risk of serious bleeding from this drug is more likely in elderly patients.

Is Reteplase safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category C according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = No risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated,
• N = Unknown

Interaction

What medicines may interact with Reteplase?

Using this medication with some of the medicines below is not usually recommended, but in some cases it may be necessary. If both drugs are prescribed for you, your doctor will usually change the dosage or determine how often you should take them.

• Acenocoumarol
• Alteplase, Recombinant
• Anistreplase
• Apixaban
• Ardeparin
• Argatroban
• Aspirin
• Bivalirudin
• Certoparin
• Dabigatran Etexilate
• Dalteparin
• Danaparoid
• Desirudin
• Enoxaparin
• Fondaparinux
• Heparin Sodium
• Lepirudin
• Nadroparin
• Parnaparin
• Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium
• Phenindione
• Phenprocoumon
• Protein C, Human
• Reteplase, Recombinant
• Reviparin
• Rivaroxaban
• Streptokinase
• Tenecteplase
• Tinzaparin
• Urokinase
• Warfarin

Can food or alcohol interact with reteplase?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions may interact with Reteplase?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• Bleeding disorders or a history of bleeding in any part of the body
• Blood vessel disorders (aneurysm)
• Brain disease or tumor
• High or uncontrolled blood pressure
• Stroke, or history
• Recent surgery or injury to the brain or spine - this medicine should not be used in that condition
• Blood clots, or history
• Diabetic eye disorder (hemorrhagic retinopathy)
• Heart infections (pericarditis, endocarditis)
• Injections into a vein
• Kidney disease, severe
• Liver disease, severe
• Installation of the hose on the body
• Surgery or injury — The possibility of serious bleeding may increase.
• Heart rhythm disturbances — This condition can get worse
• High cholesterol, or history — The possibility of having serious side effects can increase.

Overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (118/119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.