ALTEPLASE FOR IV CATHETERS - INJECTION
Common Brand Name(s): Cathflo Activase
Phonetic Pronunciation: (AL-te-plase)
Information last revised May 2010
What does ALTEPLASE FOR IV CATHETERS-INJ look like?
Cathflo Activase 2 mg Solution for Injection
Cathflo Activase 2 mg Solution for Injection
Cathflo Activase 2 mg Solution for Injection
Uses:
This medication is used to dissolve blood clots that may form within certain tubes (catheters) used for intravenous (IV) injections. IV catheters are used in people who need to regularly receive injections into a vein during treatment (e.g., chemotherapy, dialysis). Blood clots that block the catheter prevent its use and can make it necessary to replace the catheter. This medication can prevent the need to place a new catheter in your vein.
Missed Dose
Not applicable.
How To Use
This medication is given by slow injection into the blocked catheter, usually by a health care professional. Dosage is based on the volume inside the catheter, type of catheter, and patient's weight. If the catheter does not open within 2 hours after the first dose, a second dose may be placed.
Drug Interactions
Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first. Before receiving this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), antiplatelet drugs (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel, abciximab). Low-dose aspirin should be continued if prescribed by your doctor for specific medical reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams per day). Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
Notes
Keep all regular medical and laboratory appointments.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: unusual bleeding.
Precautions
Before receiving alteplase, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before receiving this medication, tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: blood disorders (e.g., low platelets), recent childbirth, current infection, kidney problems, liver problems, recent surgery or medical procedures (e.g., biopsy, blood test). During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Storage
Not applicable. This medication is given in the doctor's office or in the clinic and will not be stored at home.
Side Effects
This medication usually has very few side effects. If you have any unusual effects from using this medicine, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, persistent sore throat). If this medication accidentally leaks outside of the catheter when it is given, serious side effects may rarely occur. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following: bleeding at/near the catheter insertion site, other symptoms of bleeding (e.g., easy bruising, bleeding gums, pink/bloody urine, black/bloody stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, dizziness, lightheadedness), symptoms of a blood clot (e.g., swelling/pain in arm or near catheter). A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
The information contained in the First DataBank databases is intended to supplement the knowledge of physicians, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals regarding drug therapy problems and patient counselling information. This information is advisory only and is not intended to replace sound clinical judgment in the delivery of healthcare services. First DataBank disclaims all warranties, whether expressed or implied, including any warranty as to the quality, accuracy, and suitability of this information for any purpose.
Copyright 2010 First DataBank, Inc.
