Is Activase the same as tPA?

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on March 4, 2025.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Yes, Activase is the same as tPA but technically tPA is an abbreviation for tissue plasminogen activator which is the drug class that encompasses all tissue plasminogen activators of which there are 3 that have been FDA approved in the United States, namely:

Activase (generic name alteplase)
Retavase (generic name reteplase)
TNKase (generic name Tenecteplase).

Sometimes healthcare professionals use "tPA" to refer to Activase because it was the first tissue plasminogen activator that was approved. But this may cause confusion and has been the reason behind dozens of medication errors.

The main issue is that Activase is indicated for managing acute myocardial infarction, acute ischemic stroke, and acute massive pulmonary embolism. Historically, the other tissue plasminogen activators —Retavase and TNKase—were indicated ONLY for managing acute myocardial infarction. However, it's important to note that in February 2025, the FDA approved TNKase (tenecteplase) for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. Despite this new approval, TNKase is still not FDA-approved for pulmonary embolism, and Retavase remains approved only for acute myocardial infarction.

Errors often arise because of confusion between the abbreviation TNK and tPA, which has resulted in TNKase being given to stroke patients instead of the intended Activase. While TNKase is now approved for stroke treatment, dosing and administration protocols differ between the medications.

Because all three drugs—Activase, TNKase, and Retavase—are tissue plasminogen activators, referring to any one of these products as "tPA" may lead to confusion about the intended product. To avoid confusion, do not use the abbreviation tPA, instead write down exactly the name of the drug intended.

How can you check for heart disease at home?

You can check for heart disease at home by measuring your pulse rate and your blood pressure if you have a blood pressure monitor. To measure your pulse you will need an analog watch (one with a clock face rather than digital numbers) with a second hand. Place your index and middle finger of your hand on the hollow part of your inner wrist of the other arm, just below the base of the thumb. You should feel a tapping or pulse against your fingers, that is your heartbeat. Look at your watch and count the number of taps you feel in 10 seconds. Multiply that number by 6 to find out your heart rate for 1 minute. Continue reading

Can you take tramadol with acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin?

Yes, it is safe for most people to take tramadol with acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin if they are old enough (aspirin is not recommended for children less than 16 years and tramadol should not be taken by children under the age of 12). Continue reading

Does metoprolol lower resting heart rate?

Yes, metoprolol can lower resting heart rate. It is a beta-blocking medication that is used to lower blood pressure, as well as relieve chest pain from angina pectoris. It is also used for the treatment of heart failure and heart attack. Metoprolol comes in both immediate-release and long-acting formulations. Continue reading

Drug information

Related support groups

Activase (3 questions, 4 members)
Retavase (1 questions, 3 members)
Reteplase (1 questions, 3 members)
TNKase (1 questions, 3 members)
Tenecteplase (1 questions, 3 members)
Heart Attack (78 questions, 190 members)
Ischemic Stroke (52 questions, 185 members)
Pulmonary Embolism (29 questions, 108 members)
Myocardial Infarction (19 questions, 39 members)
Thrombotic/Thromboembolic Disorder (8 questions, 18 members)

Medical Disclaimer