Tenecteplase
About Tenecteplase
Tenecteplase belongs to the class of drugs called thrombolytics (clot-busting drugs) indicated to reduce the risk of death in people who have had a serious type of heart attack known as acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Heart attack refers to blocked blood flow to the heart due to blockage of arteries. STEMI is a type of serious heart attack that mainly affects the lower chambers of the heart.
Tenecteplase contains Tenecteplase, a clot-busting drug that helps to dissolve unwanted blood clots in the blood vessels of the heart. Thus, it helps to prevent damage caused by heart attack.
Tenecteplase will be administered by a healthcare professional; do not self-administer. Tenecteplase may cause common side effects such as bleeding, nosebleeds, bruising, bleeding at the injection or puncture site, or blood in the urine. If you notice such side effects, please inform your doctor.
If you are allergic to Tenecteplase or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Tenecteplase should be used with caution in patients aged over 75 years and who weigh less than 60 kg. Tenecteplase is not recommended for children below 18 years of age as the safety and effectiveness were not established. If you are a pregnant or breastfeeding woman, please inform your doctor before receiving Tenecteplase. If you have had a recent major surgery or trauma, inform your doctor.
Uses of Tenecteplase
Medicinal Benefits
Tenecteplase contains Tenecteplase, a clot-busting drug indicated to reduce the risk of death in people who have had a serious type of heart attack known as acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). It helps to dissolve unwanted blood clots in the blood vessels of the heart. Thus, it helps to prevent damage caused by heart attack and has been shown to save lives.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Tenecteplase
- Bleeding
- Nosebleeds
- Bruising
- Bleeding at the injection or puncture site
- Blood in urine
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to Tenecteplase or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Tenecteplase should be used with caution in patients aged over 75 years of age and who weigh less than 60 kg. Tenecteplase is not recommended for children below 18 years of age as the safety and effectiveness were not established. If you are a pregnant or breastfeeding woman, please inform your doctor before receiving Tenecteplase. If you have had a recent major surgery or trauma, inform your doctor. Tenecteplase is not recommended if you have been given cardiopulmonary resuscitation (chest compressions) for more than 2 minutes duration in the last two weeks. You are advised to be careful while using sharp objects, cutting nails, or shaving, as Tenecteplase may increase the risk of bleeding.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Tenecteplase may interact with blood thinners (ticlopidine, clopidogrel, heparin, vitamin K antagonists).
Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Tenecteplase is not recommended if you have or had a bleeding disorder or recent history of bleeding, brain tumour, stroke, severe high blood pressure, abnormality of the blood vessels or aneurysm or recent major surgery or trauma to your brain or spine. If you have or had recent major surgery or trauma, high blood pressure, severe liver failure, serious infection or inflammation, bleeding disorder, stroke, heart problems, or recent bleeding in the gastrointestinal or urinary systems, inform your doctor before receiving Tenecteplase.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
not applicableTenecteplase is administered to hospitalized patients.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorLimited data is available on the effect of Tenecteplase in pregnant women. If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before receiving Tenecteplase. Your doctor may give this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorIt is unknown whether Tenecteplase is excreted in breast milk. Hence, if you are a nursing mother, inform your doctor before receiving Tenecteplase. Your doctor may give this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
not applicableTenecteplase is administered to hospitalized patients.
Liver
consult your doctorThe effect of liver impairment on the actions of Tenecteplase in humans has not been particularly studied. However, if you have severe liver failure, inform your doctor before receiving Tenecteplase.
Kidney
consult your doctorThe effect of kidney impairment on the actions of Tenecteplase in humans has not been particularly studied. However, if you have severe kidney problems, inform your doctor before receiving Tenecteplase.
Children
unsafeTenecteplase is not recommended for children below 18 years of age as the safety and effectiveness were not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain a diet consisting of vegetables, whole grains, fruits and lean protein.
- Reduce sugar and processed foods.
- Include foods high in antioxidants, such as vegetables, fruits, olive oil, seeds, nuts, cocoa, and red wine, as they may lower the risk of developing blood clots.
- Adopt an anti-inflammatory diet high in omega-3-rich foods, fruits and vegetables, and vitamin-E-rich foods.
- Drink plenty of fluids as dehydration can thicken blood leading to an increased risk of blood clot formation.
- Do regular exercise as it helps to dissolve blood clots, especially in obese people.
- Quit smoking and also avoid being around secondhand smoke.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Acute myocardial infarction (Heart attack): It refers to blocked blood flow to the heart due to acute blockage of arteries. A blockage can develop due to a buildup of plaque, a substance mostly made of cholesterol, fat, or cellular waste products or due to a sudden blood clot that forms on the blockage. The symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, anxiety, and a fast heart rate. Acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a type of serious heart attack that mainly affects the lower chambers of the heart and causes a distinct pattern on ECG (electrocardiogram).
FAQs
Tenecteplase is used to treat Acute myocardial infarction (Heart attack).
Tenecteplase contains Tenecteplase, a clot-busting drug that dissolves unwanted blood clots in the blood vessels of the heart. Thus, it helps to prevent damage caused by heart attack.
You are recommended to consult a doctor before taking warfarin while on treatment with Tenecteplase as it may increase the risk of bleeding more easily. Your doctor may advise dose adjustment. Therefore, please consult a doctor before taking other medicines with Tenecteplase.
Tenecteplase may increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, you are advised to be careful while using sharp objects, cutting nails, or shaving.
Tenecteplase should be administered through the intravenous (IV) route only. It should be administered by the doctor or nurse. Do not self-administer.
Avoid receiving Tenecteplase with blood thinners such as heparin, ticlopidine, clopidogrel, and vitamin K antagonists as it may increase the risk of bleeding. However, it is best to avoid self-medicating or taking new drugs without consulting the doctor to ensure safety.
After receiving Tenecteplase, you may feel better as it starts working to dissolve blood clots and improve blood flow. However, the exact timing varies depending on your medical condition and response to treatment. For some individuals, improvements may be noticeable within hours, while others might take longer. Therefore, always follow up with your doctor to monitor your condition and evaluate your progress.
The side effects of Tenecteplase include bruising, such as bleeding, nosebleeds, bleeding at the injection or puncture site, or blood in the urine. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult the doctor immediately.
