RETEPLASE
Background and Date of Approval
The U.S. FDA approved reteplase on 30 October 1996. Reteplase is a thrombolytic agent that works to break down a blood clot and restore blood flow.
Uses
It is used to dissolve a blood clot that causes a heart attack (Acute Myocardial Infarction) within 12 hours of symptoms arising.
How is it administered?
Reteplase is available as syringes in an 18 mg injection which is administered into the veins by your doctor. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Only stop taking the medicine if your doctor advises you to stop.
Side Effects
The common side effects that are experienced while you are on the treatment with reteplase injection are bleeding at the injection site, pain in chest, recurrent ischaemia (reduction in the blood supply), heart failure, pulmonary oedema, low blood pressure, shortness of breath, burning sensation, bleeding in the digestive tract (blood vomiting), urinary tract, gums, abnormal heart function (arrhythmias).
Warnings
Individuals who are taking heparin and aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) should inform your doctor. Otherwise, it may cause excessive bleeding. If you have a bleeding disorder, ulcer in the stomach or small intestine, enlarged blood vessels in food pipes, or high blood pressure, discuss your previous medical history before taking the medicine.
Precautions
A patient with problems such as a brain disorder, bleeding disorder, High blood pressure, or Kidney and liver disorder should consult their doctor before taking medicine. It is necessary to inform your doctor if you have been undergoing major surgery for the past three months.Inform your doctor if your Pregnant or breastfeeding women. Even though there is no clinical evidence regarding passage of the drug through the breast milk, it is better to inform your doctor to avoid any potential side effects.
Word of Advice
Before taking reteplase, inform your doctor if you have a bleeding disorder, stomach or small intestine ulcers, enlarged blood vessels in the food pipes, or high blood pressure. Blood pressure should be monitored before administering the medicine to prevent complications. Apply gentle pressure at the injection site to minimise bleeding.
References
Actavis Italy S.p.A, European Medicines agency (EMA), [Revised on February 2006][ Accessed Feb 2024], https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/rapilysin-epar-product-information_en.pdf Actavis Italy S.p.A, European Medicines agency (EMA), [Revised on February 2016][ Accessed Feb 2024], Rapilysin, INN-reteplase (europa.eu) Reliance lifescience; [Accessed on 15/02/2024]; https://www.rellife.com/web/lifesciences/mirel KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Adrenergic system and drugs, 7th edition, 2013, 134. Goodman & Gilmanâs, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Blood coagulation and anticoagulant, fibrinolytic, and antiplatelet drugs, 12th edition, 2011, 866.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we need to monitor our blood pressure during the reteplase?
Yes, the blood pressure of the patient should be monitored before administering the medicine to avoid complications caused by the drug.
What are the medicines we need to avoid while taking reteplase?
The risk of bleeding increases with heparin and other anticoagulant drugs, as well as acetylsalicylic acid, a chemical found in many medications used to treat pain and fever.
Can I have bleeding at the injection after using the medicine?
Yes, you may have bleeding at the injection site while using the reteplase. You can apply gentle pressure to avoid bleeding at the injection site.
Can I take this reteplase during pregnancy?
Consult your healthcare provider if you plan to get pregnant. However, reteplase has not been given to expectant mothers, and it should only be used when the projected advantages outweigh any possible hazards to the fetus.
Can I take a reteplase after my surgery?
No, reteplase is not recommended to an individual who has undergone major injury or surgery for the past three months. Consult your doctor before taking the medicine.