retaplase

Generic Name: retaplase (RE te plase)

Brand Names: Retavase

What is retaplase?

Retaplase is a thrombolytic (THROM-bo-LIT-ik) drug that is used to dissolve blood clots.

Retaplase is used to improve heart function and prevent congestive heart failure or death in people who have had a heart attack.

Retaplase may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about retaplase?

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to retaplase, or if you have a bleeding disorder, a brain tumor or aneurysm, uncontrolled high blood pressure, a history of stroke or blood clots, or recent brain or spinal injury or surgery.

Before using retaplase, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, eye complications caused by diabetes, an infection of the lining of your heart, or if you have had any recent surgery, injury, or major bleeding.

Tell your doctor if you take aspirin, a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin), or any medications to prevent blood clots, such as abciximab (ReoPro), dipyridamole (Persantine), and others.

Tell your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as sudden numbness or weakness, confusion, problems with speech or vision, chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, fast or slow heart rate, darkening or purple discoloration of your fingers or toes, blood in your urine or stools, pale skin, easy bruising, or any bleeding that will not stop.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before I receive retaplase?

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to retaplase, or if you have certain conditions. Be sure your doctor knows if you have:

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  any active bleeding;

  
  


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  a bleeding or blood clotting disorder;

  
  


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  a brain tumor, aneurysm, or blood vessel disorder;

  
  


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  untreated or uncontrolled high blood pressure;

  
  


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  a history of stroke or blood clot; or

  
  


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  recent spine or brain injury or surgery.

  
  

Before you receive retaplase, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

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  kidney disease;

  
  


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  liver disease;

  
  


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  eye complications caused by diabetes;

  
  


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  an infection of the lining of your heart (also called bacterial endocarditis); or

  
  


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  if you have had any recent surgery, injury, or major bleeding.

  
  

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely receive this medicaiton.

FDA pregnancy category C. Retaplase may be harmful to an unborn baby. Before receiving this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether retaplase passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is retaplase given?

Retaplase is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting.

Retaplase is usually given in two quick injections through an IV line. These injection are given 30 minutes apart.

This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you have received retaplase.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since retaplase is given only when needed by a healthcare professional, it is not likely that you will miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of retaplase is not likely to occur.

What should I avoid after receiving retaplase?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are using retaplase.

Retaplase side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Tell your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

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  sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;

  
  


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  sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;

  
  


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  chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing;

  
  


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  fast, slow, or uneven heart rate;

  
  


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  feeling like you might pass out;

  
  


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  weak pulse, fainting, slow breathing (breathing may stop);

  
  


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  darkening or purple discoloration of your fingers or toes;

  
  


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  blood in your urine;

  
  


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  black, bloody, or tarry stools;

  
  


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  coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;

  
  


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  bleeding from needle punctures (such as from needles used in blood tests or in giving injection) injections; or

  
  


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  pale skin, easy bruising, or any bleeding that will not stop.

  
  

Less serious side effects may include:

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  nausea;

  
  


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  vomiting; or

  
  


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  fever.

  
  

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Retaplase Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose for Myocardial Infarction:

10 units administered over 2 minutes as an IV bolus as soon as possible after the onset of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) symptoms, followed 30 minutes later by a second 10 unit IV bolus injection also administered over 2 minutes.

If serious bleeding (not controllable by local pressure) occurs before the administration of the second bolus, terminate any concomitant anticoagulant therapy and do not administer the second reteplase bolus.

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

What other drugs will affect retaplase?

The following drugs can interact with retaplase. Tell your doctor if you are using any of these:

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  a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);

  
  


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  aspirin; or

  
  


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  medication used to prevent blood clots, such as abciximab (ReoPro), dipyridamole (Persantine), and others.

  
  

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with retaplase. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

More retaplase resources

• Retaplase Side Effects (in more detail)
• Retaplase Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Retaplase Drug Interactions
• Retaplase Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Retaplase - Add your own review/rating

Compare retaplase with other medications

• Heart Attack

Where can I get more information?

• Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about retaplase.

See also: retaplase side effects (in more detail)