How does it work?

Anistreplase belongs to a group of medicines known as fibrinolytics. It works by stimulating extra production of a substance produced naturally by the body called plasmin. Plasmin is produced in the blood to break down the major constituent of blood clots (fibrin), therefore dissolving clots once they have fullfilled their purpose in stopping bleeding. Extra production of plasmin caused by anistreplase breaks down unwanted blood clots, for example, in the lungs (pulmonary embolism). It is given intravenously as soon as possible after the onset of a heart attack to dissolve clots in the arteries of the heart wall. This reduces the amount of damage to the heart muscle.

What is it used for?

Heart attack

Warning!

This medicine should not be used again after four days from the first administration, as it may not be as effective and can also cause an allergic reaction.

Use with caution in

Current anticoagulation treatment

People over the age of 75 years

Recent minor trauma, including biopsies, intrmuscular injections, cardiac massage, puncture of major vessels.

Retinopathy due to bleeding

Not to be used in

Active bleeding

Allergic reaction to one of the active ingredients

Anistreplase or streptokinase should not be administered to patients who have experienced severe allergic reactions to either medicine.

Arterio-venous malformation or aneurysm.

Brain tumour

Dilated and fragile veins in the lower oesophagus (oesophageal varices)

Heavy vaginal bleeding

History of stroke

Lung disease

Moderate to severe high blood pressure

Peptic ulcers

This medication should be avoided after surgery

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than the possible risk to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

There is no information available regarding the safety of this medicine during breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Allergic reaction to active ingredient

Abnormal heart beats (arrhythmias)

Low blood pressure (hypotension)

Increased tendency to bleed

Back pain

Nausea and vomiting

An extreme allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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