Tenecteplase, TNK-tPA injection

What is tenecteplase injection?

TENECTEPLASE (TNKase®) is a thrombolytic agent. Thrombolytic agents dissolve blood clots that form in certain blood vessels. Tenecteplase is used when a blood clot in a heart artery causes a heart attack. Generic tenecteplase injections are not yet available.

What should my health care professional know before I receive tenecteplase?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• aneurysm

• bleeding problems or problems with blood clotting

• blood vessel disease or damaged blood vessels

• diabetic retinopathy (or bleeding problems of the eye)

• endocarditis (infection of the heart valves)

• head injury, brain disease or tumor

• heart disease (such as pericarditis, heart valve problems, heart rhythm problems)

• high blood pressure

• infection

• irregular heartbeats

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• mitral stenosis

• receiving intramuscular injections

• recent biopsy, childbirth, surgery, or trauma (injury)

• stomach ulcer or bleeding ulcer

• stroke (recent history)

• an unusual or allergic reaction to tenecteplase, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Tenecteplase is for injection into a vein. It is given by a health-care professional in a healthcare or hospital setting.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What drug(s) may interact with tenecteplase?

• aminocaproic acid

• antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)

• antiplatelet drugs such as ticlopidine (Ticlid®) or clopidogrel (Plavix®)

• antithymocyte globulin

• aprotinin

• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines (such as salicylates)

• blood thinners, like warfarin, heparin or enoxaparin

• dipyridamole

• fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids) supplements

• herbal products or dietary supplements like feverfew, garlic, ginger, Ginkgo biloba, or chestnut

• plicamycin

• porfimer

• some agents used to treat cancer (chemotherapy agents)

• some antibiotics (such as cefamandole, cefoperazone, or cefotetan)

• strontium-89 chloride

• sulfinpyrazone

• tranexamic acid

• valproic acid

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking tenecteplase?

You will be closely monitored to check your progress after you have received tenecteplase. Follow your prescriber's advice exactly; you may need bed rest to minimize the risk of bleeding.

Tenecteplase can make you bleed more freely; this effect can last for several days. Try to avoid damage to your teeth and gums when you brush or floss your teeth, and to avoid any other injury to yourself.

Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen, or other nonprescription pain relievers during or for several days after tenecteplase treatment unless otherwise instructed by your prescriber or health care professional.

What side effects may I notice from receiving tenecteplase?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• blood in the urine, stools, or vomit

• chest pain or tightness

• constipation or black tarry stools

• fever

• severe headache

• shortness of breath

• skin rash or hives

• slow or fast heart rate

• unusual bleeding from any body site (such as the gums or the nose)

• unusual bruising, purple spots on the skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• dizziness, lightheadedness

• nausea, vomiting

Where can I keep my medicine?

Tenecteplase is given only by a health-care professional, in a healthcare or hospital setting.