Description:
Retaplase is a thrombolytic (THROM-bo-LIT-ik) drug that is used to dissolve blood clots.
Retaplase is used to improve heart function and prevent congestive heart failure or death in people who have had a heart attack.
Retaplase may also be used for other purposes as determined by your doctor.

Ingredients:
Each single-use vial contains: Reteplase 18.1 mg
Tranexamic Acid 8.32 mg
Dipotassium Hydrogen Phosphate 136.24 mg
Phosphoric Acid 51.27 mg
Sucrose 364.0 mg
Polysorbate 805.20 mg

Directions:
Retaplase is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. Retaplase is usually given in two quick injections through an IV line. These injection are given 30 minutes apart. This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you have received retaplase.

Cautions:
You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to retaplase, or if you have a bleeding disorder, a brain tumor or aneurysm, uncontrolled high blood pressure, a history of stroke or blood clots, or recent brain or spinal injury or surgery.
Before using retaplase, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, eye complications caused by diabetes, an infection of the lining of your heart, or if you have had any recent surgery, injury, or major bleeding.
Tell your doctor if you take aspirin, a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin), or any medications to prevent blood clots, such as abciximab (ReoPro), dipyridamole (Persantine), and others.
Tell your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as sudden numbness or weakness, confusion, problems with speech or vision, chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, fast or slow heart rate, darkening or purple discoloration of your fingers or toes, blood in your urine or stools, pale skin, easy bruising, or any bleeding that will not stop.

Side Effects:
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Tell your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
* sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
* sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
* chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing;
* fast, slow, or uneven heart rate;
* feeling like you might pass out;
* weak pulse, fainting, slow breathing (breathing may stop);
* darkening or purple discoloration of your fingers or toes;
* blood in your urine;
* black, bloody, or tarry stools;
* coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
* bleeding from needle punctures (such as from needles used in blood tests or in giving injection) injections; or
* pale skin, easy bruising, or any bleeding that will not stop.

Less serious side effects may include:
* nausea;
* vomiting; or
* fever.