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November 23, 2009
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GENERIC NAME: RETEPLASE - INJECTION (RET-uh-plase)

BRAND NAME(S): Retavase

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert

USES: Reteplase is used to improve blood flow to the heart after a heart attack.

HOW TO USE: Follow all instructions for proper mixing and dilution with the correct IV fluids. If you have any questions regarding the use of this medication, consult your pharmacist. Do not shake this medication; doing so may cause this drug to become ineffective. Reteplase is given by injection into a vein (IV), as directed by your doctor. Generally, it is given as an initial dose followed by a second dose 30 minutes later. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist.

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea or dizziness may occur. If either of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: bleeding (e.g., from injection site, gums, or wounds), unusual fatigue or weakness, irregular heartbeat, blood in your urine or stool. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: changes in amount of urine, discoloration of the skin, severe stomach pain, muscle pain, chest pain, slurred speech, mental/mood changes, severe headache, eye pain or vision changes. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.




Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

 

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


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reteplase-injection, Retavase

What is a heart attack?

A heart attack (also known as a myocardial infarction) is the death of heart muscle from the sudden blockage of a coronary artery by a blood clot. Coronary arteries are blood vessels that supply the heart muscle with blood and oxygen. Blockage of a coronary artery deprives the heart muscle of blood and oxygen,causing injury to the heart muscle. Injury to the heart muscle causes chest pain and chest pressure sensation. If blood flow is not restored to the heart muscle within 20 to 40 minutes, irreversible death of the heart muscle will begin to occur. Muscle continues to die for six to eight hours at which time the heart attack usually is "complete." The dead heart muscle is eventually replaced by scar tissue.

Approximately one million Americans suffer a heart attack each year. Four hundred thousand of them die as a result of their heart attack.

What causes a heart att...

Read the Heart Attack article »



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