Retavase (Intravenous)

Generic name: reteplase, recombinant [ RE-te-plase, re-KOM-bin-ant ]
Drug class: Thrombolytics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 28, 2024.

Uses for Retavase

Reteplase is used to treat heart attacks by dissolving blood clots that have formed in the blood vessels of the heart. This medicine is used immediately after symptoms of a heart attack occur .

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription .

Before using Retavase

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of reteplase in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established .

Geriatric

No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of reteplase in geriatric patients. However, the risk of serious bleeding from this medicine may be more likely in elderly patients .

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

Defibrotide

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Proper use of Retavase

A doctor or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. This medicine is given through a needle placed into one of your veins .

Precautions while using Retavase

Reteplase can cause bleeding that usually is not serious. However, serious bleeding may occur in some people. To help prevent serious bleeding, carefully follow any instructions given by your doctor. Move around as little as possible, and do not get out of bed on your own, unless your doctor tells you it is all right to do so.

Watch for any bleeding or oozing on your skin, such as around the place of injection or where blood was drawn from your arm. Also, check for blood in your urine or bowel movements. If you have any bleeding or injuries, tell your doctor or nurse right away .

Side Effects of Retavase

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Bleeding at injection site
bleeding from the bladder, blood in urine
bloody or black, tarry stools
severe stomach pain
vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

Less common

Pale skin
troubled breathing with exertion
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness

Rare

Blurred vision
confusion
cough
difficult or labored breathing
difficulty swallowing
dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position suddenly
fast heartbeat
hives
itching
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
shortness of breath
skin rash
sweating
tightness in chest
wheezing