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Tenecteplase Injection

TNK-tPA (tenecteplase) is an injection that dissolves blood clots in certain blood vessels in your body. Blood clots happen when your blood thickens. A healthcare provider will give you this injection in a hospital or clinic setting.

What is this medication?

TENECTEPLASE (tuh NEK tuh plays) treats blood clots, including those that cause heart attack and stroke. It works by breaking down the blood clot quickly. This restores blood flow to the area, which helps prevent further injury to the tissue.

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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): TNKase

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

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

  • Bleeding disorder
  • Bleeding in the brain
  • Blood clots
  • Bleeding or bleeding problems
  • Cancer
  • Have had a heart attack or stroke
  • Head injury
  • Heart or blood vessel conditions
  • High blood pressure
  • Irregular heartbeat or rhythm
  • Liver disease
  • Recent surgery
  • Stomach ulcers
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to tenecteplase, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is injected into a vein. It is given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

  • Aminocaproic acid
  • Apixaban
  • Defibrotide
  • Tranexamic acid
  • Warfarin

This medication may also interact with the following:

  • Other medications that prevent or treat blood clots, such heparin

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This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication.

You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions or angioedema—skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs, trouble swallowing or breathing
  • Bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds, red or dark brown urine, small red or purple spots on skin, unusual bruising or bleeding
  • Bleeding in the brain—severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, dizziness, change in vision, numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, trouble speaking, trouble walking, vomiting
  • Blood clot—pain, swelling, or warmth in the leg, shortness of breath, chest pain
  • Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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