Activase (alteplase)

Dosage of alteplase usually is expressed in mg of drug but also may be expressed in international units (IU, units); each mg is equivalent to 580,000 units.

Alteplase is administered by IV infusion and by intracatheter instillation into occluded central venous catheters (Cathflo(R) Activase(R)), and the manufacturer states that the drug is intended for this method of administration only. When administered IV, the drug preferably should be administered via a controlled-infusion device using separate IV tubing. Do not add any other drugs to infusion solutions containing alteplase. Alteplase also has been administered by intracoronary+ injection, selective intra-arterial+ infusion, and intraocularly+ via intracameral injection in a limited number of patients.

Extravasation during IV infusion of alteplase may cause ecchymosis and/or inflammation. If extravasation occurs, terminate the infusion at that IV site and apply local therapy.

No dosing information is available for this tab.

No dosing information is available for this tab.

There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.

Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

Anticoagulant;Antiplatelet;Thrombolytic/Alipogene Tiparvovec

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Alipogene tiparvovec is given as a one-time series of intramuscular (IM)injections. Depending upon patient weight 27 to 60 injections are given, each at a different site.

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of anticoagulant, antiplatelet, or thrombolytic agents increase bleeding risk at IM injection sites.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk for bleeding episodes may be greater in patients with disease-associated factors (e.g. thrombocytopenia). Drug associated risk factors include concurrent use of multiple drugs which inhibit anticoagulant/antiplatelet metabolism and/or have an inherent risk for bleeding (e.g. NSAIDs).

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Antiplatelet or other anticoagulant agents must not be taken for at least one week prior to alipogene tiparvovec therapy. Assure that abnormal bleeding parameters have been corrected prior to administration. Antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy may be resumed one day after alipogene tiparvovec administration. If concurrent therapy is deemed medically necessary, monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of blood loss, including decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. When applicable, perform agent-specific laboratory tests (e.g. INR, aPTT) to monitor efficacy and safety of anticoagulation. Discontinue anticoagulation in patients with active pathologic bleeding. Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling. The time of highest risk for a coumarin-type drug interaction is when the precipitant drug is initiated or discontinued. Contact the prescriber before initiating, altering the dose or discontinuing either drug.

DISCUSSION: Alipogene tiparvovec is given as a one-time series of intramuscular (IM)injections for the treatment of familial lipoprotein lipase deficiency. Depending upon patient weight 27 to 60 injections are given, each at a different site. Concurrent use of anticoagulant, antiplatelet, or thrombolytic agents increase bleeding risk at IM injection sites.

Anticoagulants; Thrombolytics/Apixaban

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Additive effects on hemostasis.

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of apixaban with anticoagulants or thrombolytics may increase the risk of bleeding.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk for bleeding episodes may be greater in patients with disease-associated factors (e.g. thrombocytopenia). Drug associated risk factors include concurrent use of multiple drugs which inhibit anticoagulant/antiplatelet metabolism and/or have an inherent risk for bleeding (e.g. NSAIDs).

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The long-term use of concurrent therapy with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and other anticoagulants is generally considered contraindicated. However, overlap may be necessary when switching therapy from one agent to another in order to prevent thrombotic events. Manufacturer recommendations concerning overlap (if any) and timing of discontinuation versus initiation vary depending upon which agent is being discontinued and initiated. Refer to current prescribing information for both agents for additional details. Specific recommendations for converting between anticoagulants: - When converting between apixaban and anticoagulants other than warfarin, discontinue the current anticoagulant and begin the new one when next dose is due. - When converting from warfarin to apixaban, discontinue warfarin and begin apixaban when the international normalized ratio (INR) is below 2.0. - Apixaban affects INR. Therefore concurrent administration with warfarin when converting from apixaban to warfarin is not useful in determining target warfarin dose. If continuous anticoagulation is warranted, discontinue apixaban and begin both warfarin and a parenteral anticoagulant when next dose of apixaban is due. Once INR is within range, discontinue the parenteral anticoagulant. The use of concurrent therapy with Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) and thrombolytics is generally considered contraindicated. The manufacturer of alteplase states that the use of alteplase for an indication of acute ischemic stroke is contraindicated in patients receiving anticoagulants. Concurrent use of alteplase and anticoagulants is dependent on the therapeutic indication. In Acute Ischemic Stroke: - Clinical practice guidelines for acute ischemic stroke state the use of thrombolytic therapy for an indication of acute ischemic stroke is contraindicated in patients who have received thrombin inhibitors or factor Xa inhibitors in the previous 48 hours (in normal renal function) and have abnormal laboratory tests such as activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), INR, platelet count, ecarin clotting time (ECT), thrombin time, or direct factor Xa assays at presentation. In Acute Myocardial Infarction: - Patients who are receiving thrombolytics for an indication of acute myocardial infarction should be carefully monitored for signs of bleeding, especially at arterial puncture sites, if apixaban is used concurrently. - The use of thrombolytics in patients with acute myocardial infarction should follow standard management of myocardial infarction, including minimizing arterial and venous puncture; avoid noncompressible arterial puncture; and minimize internal jugular and subclavian venous punctures to decrease bleeding from the noncompressible sites. For all indications: - In the event of serious bleeding, anticoagulants should be discontinued immediately. - If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of blood loss, including decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. - When applicable, perform agent-specific laboratory test (e.g. INR, aPTT) to monitor efficacy and safety of anticoagulation. Discontinue anticoagulation in patients with active pathologic bleeding. - Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling.

DISCUSSION: Limited overlap of DOACs with other anticoagulants may be required when initiating or discontinuing DOACs in order to prevent thrombotic events. However, long-term concomitant treatment is not recommended because of increased risk of bleeding. Patients who are receiving thrombolytics should be carefully monitored for signs of bleeding if anticoagulants are being used concurrently or have recently been used.

Anticoagulants; Thrombolytics/Betrixaban

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Additive effects on hemostasis.

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of betrixaban with anticoagulants or thrombolytics may increase the risk of bleeding.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Patients with severe renal impairment (CrCl< 30 ml/min) or taking a concomitant P-gp inhibitor.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The long-term use of concurrent therapy with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and other anticoagulants is generally considered contraindicated. However, overlap may be necessary when switching therapy from one agent to another in order to prevent thrombotic events. Manufacturer recommendations concerning overlap (if any) and timing of discontinuation versus initiation vary depending upon which agent is being discontinued and initiated. Refer to current prescribing information for both agents for additional details. The use of concurrent therapy with Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) and thrombolytics is generally considered contraindicated. The manufacturer of alteplase states that the use of alteplase for an indication of acute ischemic stroke is contraindicated in patients receiving anticoagulants. Concurrent use of alteplase and anticoagulants is dependent on the therapeutic indication. In Acute Ischemic Stroke: - Clinical practice guidelines for acute ischemic stroke state the use of thrombolytic therapy for an indication of acute ischemic stroke is contraindicated in patients who have received thrombin inhibitors or factor Xa inhibitors in the previous 48 hours (in normal renal function) and have abnormal laboratory tests such as activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), INR, platelet count, ecarin clotting time (ECT), thrombin time, or direct factor Xa assays at presentation. In Acute Myocardial Infarction: - Patients who are receiving thrombolytics for an indication of acute myocardial infarction should be carefully monitored for signs of bleeding, especially at arterial puncture sites, if betrixaban is used concurrently. - The use of thrombolytics in patients with acute myocardial infarction should follow standard management of myocardial infarction, including minimizing arterial and venous puncture; avoid noncompressible arterial puncture; and minimize internal jugular and subclavian venous punctures to decrease bleeding from the noncompressible sites. For all indications: - In the event of serious bleeding, anticoagulants should be discontinued immediately. - If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of blood loss, including decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. - When applicable, perform agent-specific laboratory test (e.g. INR, aPTT) to monitor efficacy and safety of anticoagulation. Discontinue anticoagulation in patients with active pathologic bleeding. - Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling.

DISCUSSION: Patients who are receiving thrombolytics should be carefully monitored for signs of bleeding if anticoagulants are being used concurrently or have recently been used.

Anticoagulants; Thrombolytics/Dabigatran

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Dabigatran is a direct thrombin inhibitor. When taken with agents that affect clotting factors, increased bleeding episodes can occur.

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of dabigatran with anticoagulants or thrombolytics may result in additive or synergistic effects resulting in unwanted bleeding episodes.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Factors associated with an increase risk for bleeding include renal impairment, concomitant use of P-glycoprotein inhibitors, patient age >74 years, coexisting conditions (e.g. recent trauma) or use of drugs (e.g. NSAIDs) associated with bleeding risk, and patient weight <50 kg.(1-3) The risk for bleeding episodes may be greater in patients with disease-associated factors (e.g. thrombocytopenia). Drug associated risk factors include concurrent use of multiple drugs which inhibit anticoagulant/antiplatelet metabolism and/or have an inherent risk for bleeding (e.g. NSAIDs).

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The long-term use of concurrent therapy with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and other anticoagulants is generally considered contraindicated. However, overlap may be necessary when switching therapy from one agent to another in order to prevent thrombotic events. Manufacturer recommendations concerning overlap (if any) and timing of discontinuation versus initiation vary depending upon which agent is being discontinued and initiated. Refer to current prescribing information for both agents for additional details. Specific recommendations for converting between anticoagulants: - When converting from parenteral anticoagulants to dabigatran, administer dabigatran 0-2 hours before the next dose of the parenteral drug is due. - When converting from dabigatran to a parenteral anticoagulant in adults, begin parenteral anticoagulant: --12 hours after last dose of dabigatran in patients with CrCl greater than or equal to 30 ml/min, --24 hours after last dose of dabigatran in patients with CrCl less than 30 ml/min. - When converting from dabigatran to a parenteral anticoagulant in pedatrics, begin the parenteral anticoagulant 12 hours after the last dose of dabigatran. - When converting from warfarin to dabigatran, discontinue warfarin and begin dabigatran when the patient's INR is below 2.0. - When converting from dabigatran to warfarin in adults, start warfarin: --3 days before discontinuing dabigatran in patients with CrCl greater than 50 ml/min, --2 days before discontinuing dabigatran in patients with CrCl of 30 ml/min to 50 ml/min, --1 day before discontinuing dabigatran in patients with CrCl of 15 ml/min to 30 ml/min. --There is no recommendation available for converting dabigatran to warfarin in patients with CrCl less than 15 ml/min. - When converting from dabigatran to warfarin in pediatrics, start warfarin: --3 days before discontinuing dabigatran in patient with eGFR >= 50 ml/min/1.73 m2. --There is no data on using dabigatran in pediatric patients with eGFR < 50 ml/min/1.73 m2. - Dabigatran affects INR. Therefore the INR will better reflect warfarin's effect only after stopping dabigatran for at least 2 days. The use of concurrent therapy with Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) and thrombolytics is generally considered contraindicated. The manufacturer of alteplase states that the use of alteplase for an indication of acute ischemic stroke is contraindicated in patients receiving anticoagulants. Concurrent use of alteplase and anticoagulants is dependent on the therapeutic indication. In Acute Ischemic Stroke: - Clinical practice guidelines for acute ischemic stroke state the use of thrombolytic therapy for an indication of acute ischemic stroke is contraindicated in patients who have received thrombin inhibitors or factor Xa inhibitors in the previous 48 hours (in normal renal function) and have abnormal laboratory tests such as activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), INR, platelet count, ecarin clotting time (ECT), thrombin time, or direct factor Xa assays at presentation. In Acute Myocardial Infarction: - Patients who are receiving thrombolytics for an indication of acute myocardial infarction should be carefully monitored for signs of bleeding, especially at arterial puncture sites, if dabigatran is used concurrently. - The use of thrombolytics in patients with acute myocardial infarction should follow standard management of myocardial infarction, including minimizing arterial and venous puncture; avoid noncompressible arterial puncture; and minimize internal jugular and subclavian venous punctures to decrease bleeding from the noncompressible sites. For all indications: - In the event of serious bleeding, anticoagulants should be discontinued immediately. - If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of blood loss, including decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. - When applicable, perform agent-specific laboratory test (e.g. INR, aPTT) to monitor efficacy and safety of anticoagulation. Discontinue anticoagulation in patients with active pathologic bleeding. - Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling.

DISCUSSION: Patients who are receiving thrombolytics should be carefully monitored for signs of bleeding if anticoagulants are being used concurrently or have recently been used.

Anticoagulants; Thrombolytics/Edoxaban

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Additive effects on hemostasis.

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of edoxaban with anticoagulants or thrombolytics may increase the risk of bleeding.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Bleeding risk may be increased in patients with renal impairment and in patients > 75 years of age. Use of multiple agents which affect hemostasis increases the risk for bleeding.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The long-term use of concurrent therapy with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and other anticoagulants is generally considered contraindicated. However, overlap may be necessary when switching therapy from one agent to another in order to prevent thrombotic events. Manufacturer recommendations concerning overlap (if any) and timing of discontinuation versus initiation vary depending upon which agent is being discontinued and initiated. Refer to current prescribing information for both agents for additional details. Specific recommendations for converting between anticoagulants: - When converting from other (non-vitamin K antagonist) oral anticoagulants to edoxaban, discontinue current oral anticoagulant and start edoxaban at the time of the next scheduled dose of the old oral anticoagulant. - When converting from a low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) to edoxaban, start edoxaban at the time of the next scheduled administration of LMWH. - When converting from unfractionated heparin to edoxaban, discontinue the infusion and start edoxaban 4 hours later. - When converting from edoxaban to another DOAC, discontinue edoxaban and begin the new oral anticoagulant at the time of the next scheduled dose of edoxaban. - When converting from edoxaban to parenteral anticoagulation, start the parenteral anticoagulant at the time of the next dose of edoxaban. - When converting from warfarin to edoxaban, discontinue warfarin and start edoxaban when the INR is < or = to 2.5. - When converting from edoxaban to warfarin, for patients taking 60 mg of edoxaban, reduce the dose to 30 mg and begin warfarin concomitantly. For patients receiving 30 mg of edoxaban, reduce the dose to 15 mg and begin warfarin concomitantly. INR must be measured at least weekly and just prior to the daily dose of edoxaban to minimize the effects of edoxaban on INR measurement. Once a stable INR = or > 2.0 is achieved, edoxaban should be discontinued and the warfarin continued. - A second edoxaban to warfarin conversion option: Discontinue edoxaban and administer a parenteral anticoagulant and warfarin at the time of the next scheduled edoxaban dose. Once a stable INR = or > 2.0 is achieved, the parenteral anticoagulant should be discontinued and the warfarin continued. The use of concurrent therapy with Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) and thrombolytics is generally considered contraindicated. The manufacturer of alteplase states that the use of alteplase for an indication of acute ischemic stroke is contraindicated in patients receiving anticoagulants. Concurrent use of alteplase and anticoagulants is dependent on the therapeutic indication. In Acute Ischemic Stroke: - Clinical practice guidelines for acute ischemic stroke state the use of thrombolytic therapy for an indication of acute ischemic stroke is contraindicated in patients who have received thrombin inhibitors or factor Xa inhibitors in the previous 48 hours (in normal renal function) and have abnormal laboratory tests such as activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), INR, platelet count, ecarin clotting time (ECT), thrombin time, or direct factor Xa assays at presentation. In Acute Myocardial Infarction: - Patients who are receiving thrombolytics for an indication of acute myocardial infarction should be carefully monitored for signs of bleeding, especially at arterial puncture sites, if edoxaban is used concurrently. - The use of thrombolytics in patients with acute myocardial infarction should follow standard management of myocardial infarction, including minimizing arterial and venous puncture; avoid noncompressible arterial puncture; and minimize internal jugular and subclavian venous punctures to decrease bleeding from the noncompressible sites. For all indications: - In the event of serious bleeding, anticoagulants should be discontinued immediately. - If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of blood loss, including decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. - When applicable, perform agent-specific laboratory test (e.g. INR, aPTT) to monitor efficacy and safety of anticoagulation. Discontinue anticoagulation in patients with active pathologic bleeding. - Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling.

DISCUSSION: Limited overlap of DOACs with other anticoagulants may be required when initiating or discontinuing DOACs in order to prevent thrombotic events. However, long-term concomitant treatment is not recommended because of increased risk of bleeding. Patients who are receiving thrombolytics should be carefully monitored for signs of bleeding if anticoagulants are being used concurrently or have recently been used.

Anticoagulants; Thrombolytics/Rivaroxaban

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Additive effects on hemostasis.

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of rivaroxaban with anticoagulants or thrombolytics may increase the risk of bleeding.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk for bleeding episodes may be greater in patients with disease-associated factors (e.g. thrombocytopenia). Drug associated risk factors include concurrent use of multiple drugs which inhibit anticoagulant/antiplatelet metabolism and/or have an inherent risk for bleeding (e.g. NSAIDs).

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The long-term use of concurrent therapy with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and other anticoagulants is generally considered contraindicated. However, overlap may be necessary when switching therapy from one agent to another in order to prevent thrombotic events. Manufacturer recommendations concerning overlap (if any) and timing of discontinuation versus initiation vary depending upon which agent is being discontinued and initiated. Refer to current prescribing information for both agents for additional details. Specific recommendations for converting between anticoagulants: - When converting from rivaroxaban to anticoagulants other than warfarin and switching to an anticoagulant with rapid onset, discontinue rivaroxaban and begin new anticoagulant when next dose of rivaroxaban is due. - When converting from anticoagulants other than warfarin to rivaroxaban, discontinue current anticoagulant and begin rivaroxaban between 0-2 hours before next evening dose of the drug is due. For patients receiving continuous infusion of unfractionated heparin, simultaneously stop the infusion and administer rivaroxaban. - When converting from warfarin to rivaroxaban, discontinue warfarin and begin rivaroxaban once international normalized ratio (INR) is below 3.0 in adults and below 2.5 in pediatric patients. - When converting from rivaroxaban to warfarin in adults, rivaroxaban affects INR. Therefore concurrent administration with warfarin is not useful in determining target warfarin dose. If continuous anticoagulation is warranted, discontinue rivaroxaban and begin both warfarin and a parenteral anticoagulant when the next dose of rivaroxaban is due. Once INR is within range, discontinue the parenteral anticoagulant. - When converting from rivaroxaban to warfarin in pediatrics, continue rivaroxaban for at least 2 days after the first dose of warfarin. After two days, INR should be measured just prior to the next scheduled dose of rivaroxaban. Once a stable INR = or > 2.0 is achieved, rivaroxaban should be discontinued and warfarin continued. The use of concurrent therapy with Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) and thrombolytics is generally considered contraindicated. The manufacturer of alteplase states that the use of alteplase for an indication of acute ischemic stroke is contraindicated in patients receiving anticoagulants. Concurrent use of alteplase and anticoagulants is dependent on the therapeutic indication. In Acute Ischemic Stroke: - Clinical practice guidelines for acute ischemic stroke state the use of thrombolytic therapy for an indication of acute ischemic stroke is contraindicated in patients who have received thrombin inhibitors or factor Xa inhibitors in the previous 48 hours (in normal renal function) and have abnormal laboratory tests such as activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), INR, platelet count, ecarin clotting time (ECT), thrombin time, or direct factor Xa assays at presentation. In Acute Myocardial Infarction: - Patients who are receiving thrombolytics for an indication of acute myocardial infarction should be carefully monitored for signs of bleeding, especially at arterial puncture sites, if rivaroxaban is used concurrently. - The use of thrombolytics in patients with acute myocardial infarction should follow standard management of myocardial infarction, including minimizing arterial and venous puncture; avoid noncompressible arterial puncture; and minimize internal jugular and subclavian venous punctures to decrease bleeding from the noncompressible sites. For all indications: - In the event of serious bleeding, anticoagulants should be discontinued immediately. - If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of blood loss, including decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. - When applicable, perform agent-specific laboratory test (e.g. INR, aPTT) to monitor efficacy and safety of anticoagulation. Discontinue anticoagulation in patients with active pathologic bleeding. - Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling.

DISCUSSION: Patients who are receiving thrombolytics should be carefully monitored for signs of bleeding if anticoagulants are being used concurrently or have recently been used.

Gpis;Heparin;Thrombolytics;Warfarin/Bivalirudin; Desirudin

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use may result in additive effects on hemostasis.(1,2)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of bivalirudin with GPIs, heparin, or warfarin may increase the risk of bleeding.(1,2)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk for bleeding episodes may be greater in patients with disease-associated factors (e.g. thrombocytopenia). Drug associated risk factors include concurrent use of multiple drugs which inhibit anticoagulant/antiplatelet metabolism and/or have an inherent risk for bleeding (e.g. NSAIDs).

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Concurrent use of bivalirudin and GPIs, heparin, or warfarin should be avoided.(1) Discontinue agents that may increase the risk of hemorrhage prior to initiation of desirudin.(2) The Australian manufacturer of bivalirudin states patients can be started on bivalirudin 30 minutes after discontinuation of unfractionated heparin or 8 hours after discontinuation of low molecular weight heparin.(3) If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of blood loss, including decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. When applicable, perform agent-specific laboratory test (e.g. INR, aPTT) to monitor efficacy and safety of anticoagulation. Discontinue anticoagulation in patients with active pathologic bleeding. Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling. The time of highest risk for a coumarin-type drug interaction is when the precipitant drug is initiated or discontinued. Contact the prescriber before initiating, altering the dose or discontinuing either drug.

DISCUSSION: In clinical trials, concurrent use of bivalirudin with GPIs, heparin, or warfarin was associated with increased risks of major bleeding events compared to patients not receiving concurrent therapy.(1) Concurrent administration of warfarin did not affect the pharmacokinetics of desirudin; however, greater inhibition of hemostasis was observed as seen by aPPT, PT and INR measurements.(2)

Selected Anticoagulants; Thrombolytics/Defibrotide

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use may result in additive effects on hemostasis.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of defibrotide with anticoagulants or thrombolytics may increase the risk of bleeding.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk for bleeding episodes may be greater in patients with disease-associated factors (e.g. thrombocytopenia). Drug associated risk factors include concurrent use of multiple drugs which inhibit anticoagulant/antiplatelet metabolism and/or have an inherent risk for bleeding (e.g. NSAIDs).

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of defibrotide states that concomitant use with systemic anticoagulant or antithrombotic therapy is contraindicated.(1) In patients who have received prior anticoagulant or thrombolytic therapy, consider delaying the start of defibrotide until the effects of the anticoagulant have abated.(1) If concurrent therapy is deemed medically necessary, closely monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of blood loss, including decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. When applicable, perform agent-specific laboratory test (e.g. INR, aPTT) to monitor efficacy and safety of anticoagulation. Discontinue anticoagulation in patients with active pathologic bleeding. Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as unusual bleeding; gingival bleeding; nosebleeds; unusual bruising; orange/red urine or dark/black stools; new onset of headache, confusion, slurred speech, or vision; acute abdominal pain; or joint pain and/or swelling. The time of highest risk for a coumarin-type drug interaction is when the precipitant drug is initiated or discontinued. Contact the prescriber before initiating, altering the dose or discontinuing either drug.

DISCUSSION: In pivotal clinical trials, 176 patients received defibrotide; the use of anticoagulants or thrombolytics was not allowed. Bleeding events not attributed to underlying disease were as follows: epistaxis (14%), pulmonary alveolar hemorrhage (9%), gastrointestinal hemorrhage (9%), pulmonary hemorrhage (9%), intracranial hemorrhage (3%), cerebral hemorrhage (2%).

Thrombolytics/Donanemab

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Microhemorrhage has been reported with the use of donanemab. Radiographic changes on brain MRI have been noted as amyloid related imaging abnormalities-hemosiderin deposition (ARIA-H) which included microhemorrhage. In addition, intracerebral hemorrhages (ICH) greater than 1 cm in diameter have occurred in patients treated with donanemab.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of donanemab with thrombolytic agents may increase the risk of hemorrhage.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Patients with ongoing amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA) may be at increased risk for post-thrombolytic intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). The risk for bleeding episodes may be greater in patients with disease-associated factors (e.g. thrombocytopenia). Drug associated risk factors include concurrent use of multiple drugs which inhibit anticoagulant/antiplatelet metabolism and/or have an inherent risk for bleeding (e.g. NSAIDs).

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association guidelines for the early management of patients with acute ischemic stroke states patients on amyloid immunotherapy is an absolute contraindication for use of thrombolysis. The guidelines state that the risk of thrombolysis related intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in patients on amyloid immunotherapy or with ARIA is unknown and thrombolysis should be avoided in such patients.(2) The manufacturer of donanemab states that donanemab should be used with extreme caution in patients treated with thrombolytics. Evaluate the risks and benefits of concurrent use of donanemab with thrombolytics.(1) The manufacturer of donanemab recommends testing for AP0E4 status prior to initiation of treatment.(1) Use of thrombolytics in patients who are homozygous for the APOE4 gene, may have an increased risk of ARIA with donanemab therapy.(1,3-5) If thrombolytics are warranted, patients receiving concurrent therapy with donanemab and thrombolytics should be closely monitored for signs and symptoms of bleeding and changes in platelet count or symptoms associated with ARIA-H.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of microhemorrhage, including headache, nausea/vomiting, confusion, dizziness, visual disturbance, gait difficulties, and loss of coordination. General signs of blood loss include decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. When applicable, perform computed tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs) to monitor efficacy and safety of thrombolytic use with lecanemab. Discontinue thrombolytics in patients with active pathologic bleeding.(1) Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as confusion, headache, dizziness, nausea, visual changes, unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling.

DISCUSSION: In a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study of 1736 participants randomized to receive donanemab (n = 860) or placebo (n = 876), donanemab was observed to increase amyloid related imaging abnormalities-hemosiderin deposition (ARIA-H), including microhemorrhage and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). One fatal ICH occurred in a patient taking donanemab in the setting of focal neurologic symptoms of ARIA and the use of a thrombolytic agent.(1) Radiographic changes were classified as mild (<=4 new incidences), moderate (5 to 9 new incidences), or severe (10 or more new incidences). The maximum severity of ARIA-H microhemorrhage was observed as mild in 17% (143/853), moderate in 4% (34/853), and severe in 5% (40/853) of patients taking donanemab.(1) Baseline use of antithrombotic medication (aspirin, other antiplatelets, or anticoagulants) was allowed. The majority of exposures to antithrombotic medications were to aspirin. The incidence of ARIA-H was 30% (106/349) in patients taking donanemab with a concomitant antithrombotic medication within 30 days compared to 29% (148/504) who did not receive an antithrombotic within 30 days of an ARIA-H event.(1) The incidence of ICH greater than 1 cm in diameter was 0.6% (2/349 patients) in patients taking donanemab with a concomitant antithrombotic medication compared to 0.4% (2/504) in those who did not receive an antithrombotic.(1) The manufacturer of donanemab states the number of events and the limited exposure to non-aspirin antithrombotic medications limit definitive conclusions about the risk of ARIA or ICH in patients taking antithrombotic medications concurrently with donanemab. If concurrent therapy is warranted, patients should be closely monitored for signs and symptoms of bleeding and changes in platelet count or INR.(1)

Thrombolytics/Lecanemab

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Microhemorrhage has been reported with the use of lecanemab. Radiographic changes on brain MRI have been noted as amyloid related imaging abnormalities-hemosiderin deposition (ARIA-H) which included microhemorrhage. In addition, intracerebral hemorrhages (ICH) greater than 1 cm in diameter have occurred in patients treated with lecanemab.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of lecanemab with thrombolytic agents may increase the risk of hemorrhage.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Patients with ongoing amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA) may be at increased risk for post-thrombolytic intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). The risk for bleeding episodes may be greater in patients with disease-associated factors (e.g. thrombocytopenia). Drug associated risk factors include concurrent use of multiple drugs which inhibit anticoagulant/antiplatelet metabolism and/or have an inherent risk for bleeding (e.g. NSAIDs).

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association guidelines for the early management of patients with acute ischemic stroke states patients on amyloid immunotherapy is an absolute contraindication for use of thrombolysis. The guidelines state that the risk of thrombolysis related intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in patients on amyloid immunotherapy or with ARIA is unknown and thrombolysis should be avoided in such patients.(2) The US manufacturer of lecanemab states that lecanemab should be used with extreme caution in patients treated with thrombolytics. Evaluate the risks and benefits of concurrent use of lecanemab with thrombolytics.(1) Appropriate use recommendations for lecanemab state patients on lecanemab should not receive thrombolytics.(3) If thrombolytics are warranted, patients receiving concurrent therapy with lecanemab and thrombolytics should be closely monitored for signs and symptoms of bleeding and changes in platelet count or symptoms associated with ARIA-H.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of microhemorrhage, including headache, nausea/vomiting, confusion, dizziness, visual disturbance, gait difficulties, and loss of coordination. General signs of blood loss include decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. When applicable, perform computed tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs) to monitor efficacy and safety of thrombolytic use with lecanemab. Discontinue thrombolytics in patients with active pathologic bleeding.(1) Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as confusion, headache, dizziness, nausea, visual changes, unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling.

DISCUSSION: In a case report, a patient treated with thrombolytics for acute stroke who had received lecanemab experienced severe, multi-focal brain hemorrhages leading to death.(4) In clinical studies, lecanemab was observed to increase ARIA-H, including microhemorrhage and intracerebral hemorrhage. Radiographic changes were classified as mild (<=4 new incidences), moderate (5 to 9 new incidences), or severe (10 or more new incidences. Patients were excluded from clinical trials if taking concurrent anticoagulants or anti-platelets.(1) In Studies 1 and 2, the maximum severity of ARIA-H microhemorrhage was mild in 9% (79/898), moderate in 2% (19/898), and severe in 3% (28/898) of patients. Intracerebral hemorrhage greater than 1 cm in diameter was reported in 0.7% (6/898) of patients in Study 2 after treatment with lecanemab compared to 0.1% (1/897) on placebo. Fatal events of intracerebral hemorrhage in patients taking lecanemab have been observed.(1)

Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

Alteplase/Heparins

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: The concurrent use of alteplase and heparins may increase the risk of bleeding.

CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use of alteplase and heparins may result in bleeding episodes.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk for bleeding episodes may be greater in patients with disease-associated factors (e.g. thrombocytopenia). Drug associated risk factors include concurrent use of multiple drugs which inhibit anticoagulant/antiplatelet metabolism and/or have an inherent risk for bleeding (e.g. NSAIDs).

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Use of alteplase and anticoagulants, including heparins, may increase the risk of bleeding if administered prior to, during, or after alteplase therapy. Concurrent use of alteplase and heparins is dependent on the therapeutic indication. In Acute Ischemic Stroke: - Clinical practice guidelines for acute ischemic stroke state the use of thrombolytic therapy for an indication of acute ischemic stroke is contraindicated in patients who have received full treatment doses of heparins within 24 hours preceding the onset of stroke or who have an elevated activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) > 40 seconds, prothrombin time (PT) > 15 seconds, INR > 1.7, or platelets <100,000/mm3 at presentation. In Acute Myocardial Infarction: - Patients who are receiving alteplase for an indication of acute myocardial infarction should be carefully monitored for signs of bleeding, especially at arterial puncture sites, if heparin is used concurrently. - The use of alteplase in patients with acute myocardial infarction should follow standard management of myocardial infarction, including minimizing arterial and venous puncture; avoid noncompressible arterial puncture; and minimize internal jugular and subclavian venous punctures to decrease bleeding from the noncompressible sites. For all indications: - In the event of serious bleeding, heparins should be discontinued immediately and consider protamine administration for reversal of heparin. - If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of blood loss, including decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. - When applicable, perform agent-specific laboratory test (e.g. INR, aPTT) to monitor efficacy and safety of anticoagulation. Discontinue anticoagulation in patients with active pathologic bleeding. - Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling.

DISCUSSION: The manufacturer of alteplase states that the use of alteplase for an indication of acute ischemic stroke is contraindicated in patients who have received heparin within 24 hours preceding the onset of stroke and who have an elevated activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) at presentation. Heparin has been administered concomitantly and following alteplase in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction. Patients who are receiving alteplase with heparin should be carefully monitored for signs of bleeding, especially at arterial puncture sites, if heparin is used concurrently.

Alteplase/Nitroglycerin

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Nitroglycerin may increase hepatic blood flow, enhancing the hepatic metabolism of alteplase (t-PA).

CLINICAL EFFECTS: The thrombolytic effect of alteplase may be decreased.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: If possible, avoid coadministration of alteplase and nitroglycerin. If both drugs must be given concomitantly use caution when administering these agents. Be aware that the therapeutic effects of alteplase may be impaired.

DISCUSSION: In a study, nitroglycerin administration decreased plasma levels of alteplase reducing the thrombolytic effects. In a non-randomized study involving patients with suspected infarction, stable coronary artery reperfusion occurred in 91% of the patients receiving alteplase plus saline solution compared to 44% receiving alteplase plus intravenous nitroglycerin. Patients receiving alteplase and nitroglycerin concomitantly had lower mean plasma t-PA antigen concentrations than patients receiving alteplase alone. The differences persisted for more than 6 hours after completing the alteplase infusion.(1) In an earlier subset of the above study, patients with acute myocardial infarctions who received alteplase alone demonstrated an earlier peak serum creatine kinase and showed signs of reperfusion more frequently and sooner than did patients receiving alteplase plus nitroglycerin. In addition, patients receiving alteplase and nitroglycerin had a greater incidence of in-hospital adverse events and a higher incidence of reocclusion.(2)

Alteplase/Slt Anticoagulants (Vitamin K Antag); Heparins

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: The concurrent use of alteplase and anticoagulants may increase the risk of bleeding.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use of alteplase and anticoagulants may result in bleeding episodes.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk for bleeding episodes may be greater in patients with disease-associated factors (e.g. thrombocytopenia). Drug associated risk factors include concurrent use of multiple drugs which inhibit anticoagulant/antiplatelet metabolism and/or have an inherent risk for bleeding (e.g. NSAIDs).

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of alteplase states that the use of alteplase for an indication of acute ischemic stroke is contraindicated in patients receiving anticoagulants.(1) Concurrent use of alteplase and anticoagulants is dependent on the therapeutic indication. In Acute Ischemic Stroke: - Clinical practice guidelines for acute ischemic stroke state the use of thrombolytic therapy for an indication of acute ischemic stroke is contraindicated in patients who have received warfarin and have an elevated activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) > 40 seconds, prothrombin time (PT) > 15 seconds, INR > 1.7, or platelets <100,000/mm3 at presentation. In Acute Myocardial Infarction: - Patients who are receiving alteplase for an indication of acute myocardial infarction should be carefully monitored for signs of bleeding, especially at arterial puncture sites, if heparin is used concurrently. - The use of alteplase in patients with acute myocardial infarction should follow standard management of myocardial infarction, including minimizing arterial and venous puncture; avoid noncompressible arterial puncture; and minimize internal jugular and subclavian venous punctures to decrease bleeding from the noncompressible sites. For all indications: - In the event of serious bleeding, anticoagulants should be discontinued immediately. - If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of blood loss, including decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. - When applicable, perform agent-specific laboratory test (e.g. INR, aPTT) to monitor efficacy and safety of anticoagulation. Discontinue anticoagulation in patients with active pathologic bleeding. - Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling.

DISCUSSION: The manufacturer of alteplase states that the use of alteplase for an indication of acute ischemic stroke is contraindicated in patients receiving anticoagulants.(1) Patients who are receiving alteplase for an indication of acute myocardial infarction or pulmonary embolism should be carefully monitored for signs of bleeding if anticoagulants are being used concurrently or have recently been used. In a retrospective review of 107 acute ischemic stroke patients receiving tPA with or without warfarin the incidence of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage(sICH) was found to be much greater in patients receiving warfarin, 30.8% in patients receiving warfarin compared to 3.2% in patients not undergoing warfarin therapy.(2)

Anticoagulants; Antiplatelets; Thrombolytics/Caplacizumab

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Bleeding has been reported with the use of caplacizumab.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of caplacizumab with anticoagulants, antiplatelets, or thrombolytics may increase the risk of hemorrhage.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk for bleeding episodes may be greater in patients with disease-associated factors (e.g. hemophilia, coagulation factor deficiencies). Drug associated risk factors include concurrent use of multiple drugs which inhibit anticoagulant/antiplatelet metabolism and/or have an inherent risk for bleeding (e.g. NSAIDs).

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Avoid the use of caplacizumab with anticoagulants, antiplatelets, and thrombolytics. Interrupt caplacizumab therapy if clinically significant bleeding occurs. Patients may require von Willebrand factor concentrate to rapidly correct hemostasis. If caplacizumab is restarted, closely monitor for signs of bleeding.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of blood loss, including decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. When applicable, perform agent-specific laboratory tests (e.g. INR, aPTT) to monitor efficacy and safety of anticoagulation. Discontinue anticoagulation in patients with active pathologic bleeding. Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling. The time of highest risk for a coumarin-type drug interaction is when the precipitant drug is initiated or discontinued. Contact the prescriber before initiating, altering the dose or discontinuing either drug.

DISCUSSION: Bleeding has been reported with caplacizumab. In clinical studies, severe bleeding adverse reactions of epistaxis, gingival bleeding, upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage, and metrorrhagia were each reported in 1% of patients. Overall, bleeding events occurred in approximately 58% of patients on caplacizumab versus 43% of patients on placebo.(1) In post-marketing reports, cases of life-threatening and fatal bleeding were reported with caplacizumab.(1)

Anticoagulants; Fibrinolytics/Aducanumab

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Microhemorrhage has been reported with the use of aducanumab. Radiographic changes on brain MRI have been noted as amyloid related imaging abnormalities-hemosiderin deposition (ARIA-H) which included microhemorrhage.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of aducanumab with either anticoagulants or fibrinolytics may increase the risk of hemorrhage.(1-3)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk for bleeding episodes may be greater in patients with disease-associated factors (e.g. thrombocytopenia). Drug associated risk factors include concurrent use of multiple drugs which inhibit anticoagulant/antiplatelet metabolism and/or have an inherent risk for bleeding (e.g. NSAIDs).

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Evaluate concurrent use of aducanumab with anticoagulants or fibrinolytics.(1-3) Patients receiving concurrent therapy with aducanumab and anticoagulants or fibrinolytics should be closely monitored for signs and symptoms of bleeding and changes in platelet count or International Normalized Ratio (INR).(1) Enhanced observation is recommended for the first 8 doses of aducanumab, particularly with dose titration. MRI should be considered if a patient develops clinical symptoms of microhemorrhage.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of microhemorrhage, including headache, nausea/vomiting, confusion, dizziness, visual disturbance, gait difficulties, and loss of coordination. General signs of blood loss include decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. When applicable, perform agent-specific laboratory tests (e.g. INR, aPTT) to monitor efficacy and safety of anticoagulation. Discontinue anticoagulation in patients with active pathologic bleeding. Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as confusion, headache, dizziness, nausea, visual changes, unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling.

DISCUSSION: In two phase 3 studies, aducanumab was observed to increase ARIA-H, including microhemorrhage. Radiographic changes were classified as mild (<=4 new incidences), moderate (5 to 9 new incidences), or severe (10 or more new incidences. Patients were excluded from clinical trials if taking concurrent anticoagulants or anti-platelets.(1) In Studies 1 and 2, ARIA was observed in 41% of patients treated with aducanumab with a planned dose of 10 mg/kg, compared to 10% of patients on placebo.(1)

Anticoagulants; Thrombolytics/Urokinase

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: The concurrent use of urokinase with anticoagulants or thrombolytics may increase the risk of bleeding.(1,2)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use of urokinase with anticoagulants or thrombolytics may result in bleeding episodes.(1,2)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk for bleeding episodes may be greater in patients with disease-associated factors (e.g. thrombocytopenia). Drug associated risk factors include concurrent use of multiple drugs which inhibit anticoagulant/antiplatelet metabolism and/or have an inherent risk for bleeding (e.g. NSAIDs).

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The UK and US manufacturers of urokinase state that the concurrent use with thrombolytic agents or anticoagulants may increase the risk of serious bleeding.(1,2) If anticoagulation therapy is recommended after infusion of urokinase, monitor aPTT and do not begin anticoagulation until the aPTT is less than twice the normal control value. If heparin is started after urokinase infusion, do not administer a loading dose of heparin. When concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of blood loss, including decreased hemoglobin and/or hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. When applicable, perform agent-specific laboratory test (e.g. INR, aPTT) to monitor efficacy and safety of anticoagulation. Discontinue anticoagulation in patients with active pathologic bleeding. Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling. The time of highest risk for a coumarin-type drug interaction is when the precipitant drug is initiated or discontinued. Contact the prescriber before initiating, altering the dose or discontinuing either drug.

DISCUSSION: The UK and US manufacturers of urokinase states that use with agents that alter anticoagulation or platelet function may increase the risk of serious bleeding. The manufacturer of urokinase states administration of urokinase prior to, during, or after thrombolytic therapy may increase the risk of serious bleeding. Use of urokinase with other agents that alter coagulation or are thrombolytic, careful monitoring of bleeding is recommended.(1,2)

Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

Anticoagulant;Antiplatelet;Thrombolytic/Icosapent Ethyl

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: In vitro data suggests that fish oils can competitively inhibit cyclooxygenase which decreases synthesis of thromboxane A1 leading to a decrease in platelet aggregation.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of anticoagulant, antiplatelet, or thrombolytic agents increase bleeding risks.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk for bleeding episodes may be greater in patients with disease-associated factors (e.g. thrombocytopenia). Drug associated risk factors include concurrent use of multiple drugs which inhibit anticoagulant/antiplatelet metabolism and/or have an inherent risk for bleeding (e.g. NSAIDs).

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: If concurrent therapy is deemed medically necessary, monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of blood loss, including decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. When applicable, perform agent-specific laboratory tests (e.g. INR, aPTT) to monitor efficacy and safety of anticoagulation. Discontinue anticoagulation in patients with active pathologic bleeding. Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling. The time of highest risk for a coumarin-type drug interaction is when the precipitant drug is initiated or discontinued. Contact the prescriber before initiating, altering the dose or discontinuing either drug.

DISCUSSION: Specific studies with icosapent ethyl and affects on bleeding risk have not been conducted. Concurrent use of anticoagulant, antiplatelet, or thrombolytic agents may increase bleeding risks by impairing platelet function and prolonging bleeding time.(1) Several case reports have shown increased bleeding time and an increased risk of adverse effects from concurrent therapy.(2,3,4) A randomized placebo controlled study of 40 people taking omega-3 fatty acids and oral anticoagulants showed a significant prolongation in bleeding time.(5)

Anticoagulants; Antiplatelets; Thrombolytics/Drotrecogin

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Drotrecogin, anticoagulants, antiplatelets, and thrombolytics all affect hemostasis.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of drotrecogin with anticoagulants, antiplatelets, or thrombolytics, including heparin and aspirin, may increase the risk of bleeding.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Drotrecogin should be used with caution with other agents that affect hemostasis, including concurrent heparin for thrombotic or embolic events; recent administration (within 3 days) of thrombolytics; recent administration of oral anticoagulants (within 7 days) or glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors; or recent administration (within 7 days) of aspirin (greater than 650 mg daily) or other platelet inhibitors.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of blood loss, including decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. When applicable, perform agent-specific laboratory test (e.g. INR, aPTT) to monitor efficacy and safety of anticoagulation. Discontinue anticoagulation in patients with active pathologic bleeding. Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling.

DISCUSSION: Because of the increased risk of bleeding, drotrecogin should be used with caution with other agents that affect hemostasis, including concurrent heparin for thrombotic or embolic events; recent administration (within 3 days) of thrombolytics; recent administration of oral anticoagulants (within 7 days) or glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors; or recent administration (within 7 days) of aspirin (greater than 650 mg daily) or other platelet inhibitors.(1)

Anticoagulants; Thrombolytics/Remibrutinib

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Remibrutinib may cause bleeding. Anticoagulants and thrombolytics also affect hemostasis.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of remibrutinib with anticoagulants or thrombolytics may increase the risk of bleeding.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Consider the risks and benefits of concomitant administration of antithrombotic agents with remibrutinib. Interrupt treatment with remibrutinib if bleeding is observed and resume if the benefit is expected to outweigh the risk. If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of blood loss, including decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. When applicable, perform agent-specific laboratory test (e.g. INR, aPTT) to monitor efficacy and safety of anticoagulation. Discontinue anticoagulation in patients with active pathologic bleeding. Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling. Interrupt treatment with remibrutinib for 3 to 7 days pre- and post-surgery or invasive procedures.(1)

DISCUSSION: No data are available on concomitant use of remibrutinib with anticoagulants. The concomitant use of remibrutinib and anticoagulants was not allowed in clinical studies. Use of the antiplatelet agents, acetyl salicylic acid at doses up to 100 mg daily or clopidogrel up to 75 mg daily, was allowed in the remibrutinib clinical studies.(1)

Selected Anticoagulants; Thrombolytics/Platelet Inhibitors

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Platelet aggregation inhibitors work by irreversibly modifying the platelet ADP receptor and inhibiting the activation of GP IIb/IIIa complex.(1) Concurrent use with anticoagulants may result in additive effects on the clotting cascade.

CLINICAL EFFECTS: The concurrent use of platelet aggregation inhibitors and anticoagulants may result in an increased risk of bleeding.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk for bleeding episodes may be greater in patients with disease-associated factors (e.g. thrombocytopenia). Drug associated risk factors include concurrent use of multiple drugs which inhibit anticoagulant/antiplatelet metabolism and/or have an inherent risk for bleeding (e.g. NSAIDs).

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Use caution when administering platelet aggregation inhibitors concurrently with anticoagulants.(1) Careful monitoring of appropriate laboratory values for the patient's anticoagulant (e.g. PTT for heparin, anti Xa levels for low-molecular weight heparins, INR for warfarin) as well as signs and symptoms of bleeding is warranted. If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of blood loss, including decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. When applicable, perform agent-specific laboratory test (e.g. INR, aPTT) to monitor efficacy and safety of anticoagulation. Discontinue anticoagulation in patients with active pathologic bleeding. Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling. The time of highest risk for a coumarin-type drug interaction is when the precipitant drug is initiated or discontinued. Contact the prescriber before initiating, altering the dose or discontinuing either drug.

DISCUSSION: Although a study in patients on long-term warfarin therapy found that the stable anticoagulation status was unaffected by concurrent clopidogrel use,(2) careful monitoring would be prudent. A self-controlled case study of 1,622 oral anticoagulant-precipitant drug pairs were reviewed and found 14% of drug pairs were associated with a statistically significant elevated risk of thromboembolism. Concurrent use of warfarin and dipyridamole resulted in a ratio of rate ratios (95% CI) of 2.07 (1.65-2.6); and warfarin and clopidogrel ratio of rate ratios 1.69 (1.56-1.84). A large systematic review was performed on 72 warfarin drug-drug interactions studies that reported on bleeding, thromboembolic events, or death. Most studies were retrospective cohorts. A meta-analysis of 38 of those studies found a higher rate of clinically significant bleeding in patients on warfarin and antiplatelets (OR=1.74; 95% CI 1.56-1.94). Increased bleeding risk was also seen in subgroup analyses with aspirin (OR=1.50; 95% CI 1.29-1.74), clopidogrel (OR=3.55; 95% CI 2.78-4.54), and aspirin plus clopidogrel or ticlopidine (OR=2.07, 95% CI 1.33-3.21).(4)

Slt Anticoagulants;Antiplatelets;Thrombolytics/Fluvoxamine

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Serotonin release by platelets plays a role in hemostasis.(1) Fluvoxamine may cause a decrease in serotonin reuptake by platelets, resulting in an additive risk of bleeding with anticoagulants, antiplatelets, and thrombolytics.

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of fluvoxamine and agents that affect coagulation may result in bleeding.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk for bleeding episodes may be greater in patients with disease-associated factors (e.g. thrombocytopenia). Renal impairment has been associated with an elevated risk of GI bleed in patients on SSRIs.(2) Drug associated risk factors include concurrent use of multiple drugs which inhibit anticoagulant/antiplatelet metabolism and/or have an inherent risk for bleeding (e.g. NSAIDs).

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Concurrent therapy of fluvoxamine and agents that affect coagulation should be undertaken with caution. If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of blood loss, including decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. When applicable, perform agent-specific laboratory test (e.g. INR, aPTT, anti Factor Xa inhibition) to monitor efficacy and safety of anticoagulation. Discontinue anticoagulation in patients with active pathologic bleeding. Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling.

DISCUSSION: In a retrospective review of 5 years of data from the Pharmaco-Epidemiologic Prescription Database, hospitalizations for upper gastro-intestinal bleeding in antidepressant users were compared to those in non-antidepressant users. The risk of a bleed in a patient using an NSAID only based on an observed-expected ration was 4.5 and in a patient using low-dose aspirin only was 2.5. Concurrent use of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor with NSAIDs or low-dose aspirin increased the risk of bleeding to 12.2 and 5.2, respectively.(3) In another study, there were 16 cases of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients receiving concurrent therapy with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and NSAIDs. Adjusted relative risk of bleeding with NSAIDs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or both were 3.7, 2.6, or 15.6, respectively.(4) In a case-control study conducted in users of acenocoumarol or phenprocoumon, 1,848 patients who had been hospitalized with abnormal bleeding were each matched to 4 control patients. When patients took both a SSRI and a coumarin, an increased risk of hospitalization due to major non-gastrointestinal bleeding was observed (adjusted OR 1.7), but not due to gastrointestinal bleeding (adjusted OR 0.8).(5) A retrospective review examined patients discharged from a hospital with antiplatelet therapy following a myocardial infarction. When compared to aspirin therapy alone, both aspirin therapy with a SSRI and aspirin, clopidogrel, and SSRI therapy were associated with an increased risk of bleeding (hazard ratios 1.42 and 2.35, respectively.) Compared with dual antiplatelet therapy (aspirin and clopidogrel), use of aspirin and clopidogrel and a SSRI was also associated with increased risk of bleeding (hazard ratio 1.57).(6) In The Rotterdam Study, fluvoxamine increased the risk of over anticoagulation (hazard ratio 2.63). Paroxetine was not associated with an increased risk. There were insufficient numbers of patients taking other SSRIs to assess increased risk.(7) A self-controlled case study of 1,622 oral anticoagulant-precipitant drug pairs were reviewed and found 14% of drug pairs were associated with a statistically significant elevated risk of thromboembolism. Concurrent use of dabigatran and citalopram resulted in a ratio of rate ratios (95% CI) of 1.69 (1.11-2.57).(8)

Slt Anticoagulants;Antiplatelets;Thrombolytics/Ssris;Snris

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Serotonin release by platelets plays a role in hemostasis.(1,2) The increased risk of bleeding may be a result of a decrease in serotonin reuptake by platelets.

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor(1-6) or a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor(7-9) and agents that affect coagulation may result in bleeding.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk for bleeding episodes may be greater in patients with disease-associated factors (e.g. thrombocytopenia). Renal impairment has been associated with an elevated risk of GI bleed in patients on SSRIs.(15) Drug associated risk factors include concurrent use of multiple drugs which inhibit anticoagulant/antiplatelet metabolism and/or have an inherent risk for bleeding (e.g. NSAIDs).

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors(1-6) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors(7-9) and agents that affect coagulation should be used concurrently with caution. If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of blood loss, including decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. When applicable, perform agent-specific laboratory test (e.g. INR, aPTT) to monitor efficacy and safety of anticoagulation. Discontinue anticoagulation in patients with active pathologic bleeding. Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling.

DISCUSSION: In a retrospective review of 5 years of data from the Pharmaco-Epidemiologic Prescription Database, hospitalizations for upper gastro-intestinal bleeding in antidepressant users were compared to those in non-antidepressant users. The risk of a bleed in a patient using an NSAID only based on an observed-expected ration was 4.5 and in a patient using low-dose aspirin only was 2.5. Concurrent use of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor with NSAIDs or low-dose aspirin increased the risk of bleeding to 12.2 and 5.2, respectively.(10) In another study, there were 16 cases of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients receiving concurrent therapy with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and NSAIDs. Adjusted relative risk of bleeding with NSAIDs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or both were 3.7, 2.6, or 15.6, respectively.(11) In a case-control study conducted in users of acenocoumarol or phenprocoumon, 1848 patients who had been hospitalized with abnormal bleeding were each matched to 4 control patients. When patients took both a SSRI and a coumarin, an increased risk of hospitalization due to major non-gastrointestinal bleeding was observed (adjusted OR 1.7), but not due to gastrointestinal bleeding (adjusted OR 0.8).(12) A retrospective review examined patients discharged from a hospital with antiplatelet therapy following a myocardial infarction. When compared to aspirin therapy alone, both aspirin therapy with a SSRI and aspirin, clopidogrel, and SSRI therapy were associated with an increased risk of bleeding (hazard ratios 1.42 and 2.35, respectively.) Compared with dual antiplatelet therapy (aspirin and clopidogrel), use of aspirin and clopidogrel and a SSRI was also associated with increased risk of bleeding (hazard ratio 1.57).(13) In The Rotterdam Study, fluvoxamine increased the risk of over anticoagulation (hazard ratio 2.63). Paroxetine was not associated with an increased risk. There were insufficient numbers of patients taking other SSRIs to assess increased risk.(14) A self-controlled case study of 1,622 oral anticoagulant-precipitant drug pairs were reviewed and found 14% of drug pairs were associated with a statistically significant elevated risk of thromboembolism. Concurrent use of dabigatran and citalopram resulted in a ratio of rate ratios (95% CI) of 1.69 (1.11-2.57).(16) A systematic review and meta-analysis of 22 cohort and case-controlled studies including over 1 million patients found 1.55-fold higher odds of upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding in SSRI users compared with non-SSRI users (95% CI, 1.35-1.78). In subgroup analyses, the risk was found to be greatest among participants taking SSRIs concurrently with NSAIDs or antiplatelet medications.(17)

Thrombolytics/Abciximab

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Thrombolytics decrease plasma fibrinogen levels.(1) When thrombolytics are administered with abciximab, there is enhanced inhibition of platelet aggregation.

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of abciximab and thrombolytics may result in greater inhibition of platelet aggregation which may lead to an increased risk of bleeding.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Active internal bleed, thrombocytopenia, recent major surgery or trauma, severe uncontrolled hypertension, use of IV dextran before PCI, and history of cerebrovascular accident within two years(2) Other drug associated risk factors include concurrent use of multiple drugs which inhibit anticoagulant/antiplatelet metabolism and/or have an inherent risk for bleeding (e.g. NSAIDs).

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Because of effects on bleeding, abciximab should be used judiciously in patients who have received thrombolytics. In all patients receiving abciximab, potential bleeding sites should be checked. It is also recommended to monitor the patients closely.(2) If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of blood loss, including decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. When applicable, perform agent-specific laboratory test (e.g. INR, aPTT) to monitor efficacy and safety of anticoagulation. Discontinue anticoagulation in patients with active pathologic bleeding. Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling.

DISCUSSION: In the GUSTO V trial, the incidence of moderate or severe non intracranial bleeding was increased in patients receiving half-dose Reteplase with abciximab (4.6%) when compared to patients receiving full-dose Reteplase alone (2.3%).(2,3)

Acute MI or PE

*Active internal bleeding.

*History of recent stroke.

*Intracranial neoplasm.

*Aneurysm.

*Recent (within 3 months) intracranial or intraspinal surgery or serious head trauma.

*Bleeding diathesis.

*Arteriovenous malformation.

*Current severe uncontrolled hypertension.

Acute Ischemic Stroke

*Current intracranial hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, history of intracranial hemorrhage, or active internal bleeding.

*Extensive regions of clear hypoattenuation on CT brain imaging.

*Bleeding diathesis.

*Recent (within 3 months) intracranial or intraspinal surgery, serious head trauma, or prior ischemic stroke.

*Current severe uncontrolled hypertension.

*Arteriovenous malformation or aneurysm.

*Symptoms consistent with infective endocarditis.

*Stroke known or suspected to be associated with aortic arch dissection.

*Intracranial neoplasm.

*Structural GI malignancy.

*Thrombocytopenia (platelets <100,000/mm3), INR >1.7, aPTT >40 seconds, or PT >15 seconds.

*Treatment dose of low molecular weight heparin within previous 24 hours.

*Current treatment with direct thrombin inhibitors or direct factor Xa inhibitors unless laboratory tests are normal or >48 hours since a dose of these agents was received (assuming normal renal metabolizing function).

• Arteriovenous malformation
• Brain aneurysm
• CNS trauma
• Deep peripheral nerve block
• Deep plexus block
• Hemorrhagic stroke
• Increased risk of bleeding due to coagulation disorder
• Internal hemorrhage
• Invasive procedure on brain
• Invasive procedure on spine
• Neoplasm of brain
• Neuraxial anesthesia
• Placement of indwelling epidural catheter
• Severe uncontrolled hypertension
• Subarachnoid intracranial hemorrhage
• Thrombocytopenic disorder

• Acute pericarditis
• Atrial fibrillation with mitral stenosis
• Cerebral amyloid angiopathy
• Childbirth within last 10 days
• Cholesterol embolism
• Genitourinary tract hemorrhage
• Hemorrhage
• Hemorrhagic diabetic retinopathy
• Invasive surgical procedure
• Major traumatic injury
• Mural thrombus of heart
• Puncture of artery in noncompressible site
• Puncture of vein in noncompressible site
• Septic thrombophlebitis
• Severe GI bleeding within last 10 days
• Subacute infective endocarditis

There are no moderate contraindications for this drug.

Adverse effects reported in >5% of patients include hemorrhage.

More Frequent

• Hemorrhage
• Hemorrhagic stroke
• Hypotension

Less Frequent

• Internal hemorrhage
• Intracranial bleeding

Rare or Very Rare

• Anaphylaxis
• Angioedema
• Atrioventricular block
• Cardiac arrhythmia
• Cerebral edema
• Cerebral herniation
• Cholesterol embolism
• Gastrointestinal hemorrhage
• Heart failure
• Laryngeal edema
• Mitral valve regurgitation
• Pericardial effusion
• Pericardial tamponade
• Pericarditis
• Pleural effusions
• Pulmonary edema
• Retroperitoneal hemorrhage
• Seizure disorder
• Thromboembolic disorder

Less Frequent

• Ecchymosis

Rare or Very Rare

• Bruising
• Epistaxis
• Fever
• Gingival bleeding
• Nausea
• Skin rash
• Urticaria
• Vomiting

No enhanced messaging available.

Safety and efficacy of IV infusion of alteplase in pediatric patients have not been established. However, the drug has been used with some success in a few infants and children with thrombosis of the vena cava, aorta, or peripheral arteries; successful lysis of pulmonary emboli without bleeding complications also has been reported in at least one child with angiographically documented pulmonary emboli of undetermined duration who received 0.1 mg/kg of alteplase per hour for 11 hours via the pulmonary artery+. Thrombolytic therapy generally is not recommended for the treatment of venous thromboembolism in neonates and children unless vessel occlusion is life-threatening and/or causes organ dysfunction. If thrombolysis is required, ACCP states that alteplase is the drug of choice.

Use of thrombolytic therapy in children with arterial ischemic stroke is not recommended by ACCP outside of a research setting.

Safety and efficacy of intracatheter instillation of alteplase for the restoration of central venous catheters in pediatric patients (2 weeks to 17 years) is similar to that observed in adults.

Although no adequate studies have been performed in pregnant women, animal reproduction studies indicate that IV alteplase was embryocidal in rabbits given the drug at a dosage of 3 mg/kg, approximately equal to the human dosage (based on AUC) used for the treatment of acute MI. No maternal or fetal toxicity was evident in rabbits or rats administered alteplase during organogenesis at doses approximately 0.3 or 0.6 times the human dose (based on body weight) for acute MI, respectively.

The risk of bleeding associated with thrombolytic therapy may be increased during pregnancy. Weigh the risk and benefits of alteplase prior to use during pregnancy.

The American Heart Association (AHA) and American Stroke Association (ASA) state that IV alteplase therapy for acute ischemic stroke may be considered in pregnancy when the anticipated benefits of treating moderate or severe stroke outweigh the anticipated increased risks of uterine bleeding. Therapy with rt-PA followed by IV heparin treatment has been used successfully for lysis of pulmonary emboli in a pregnant woman with congenital antithrombin III deficiency. Approximately 20 hours following discontinuance of rt-PA therapy, at week 35 of pregnancy, the patient delivered a male infant by cesarean section. No placental bleeding occurred and the infant showed no signs of bleeding, but he died later from complications related to respiratory distress syndrome. Another pregnant woman with massive pulmonary embolism and circulatory shock at week 31 of pregnancy who was treated successfully with rt-PA (10 mg/hour for 4 hours followed by 2 mg/hour for 1.5 hours) delivered an otherwise healthy premature infant 48 hours following thrombolytic therapy.

AHA and ASA state that the safety and efficacy of IV alteplase for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke in the early postpartum period (<14 days after delivery) have not been established.

It is not known whether alteplase is distributed into human milk or whether the drug affects the breast-fed infant or affects milk production.

Based on results of a trial with tenecteplase showing that an excess of intracranial hemorrhage in patients >=75 years of age with acute MI was reduced after reducing the tenecteplase dosage by 50%, some clinicians suggest considering a 50% reduction in the dosage of alteplase in patients >=75 years of age receiving the drug for acute MI.

Assess the risks against the anticipated benefits of therapy with alteplase in patients >75 years of age. Intracranial hemorrhage and other major bleeding complications are more common in patients >75 years compared with younger adults. Some clinicians suggest considering a 50% reduction in the dosage of alteplase in patients >=75 years of age receiving the drug for acute MI.

The manufacturer states that efficacy results in patients with acute ischemic stroke suggest a reduced but still favorable clinical outcome for geriatric patients receiving alteplase.

In a large trial comparing 4 thrombolytic regimens, including accelerated-infusion alteplase, in patients with acute MI, 12% of patients were >75 years of age. The incidence of stroke in geriatric patients receiving accelerated-infusion alteplase was 4%, and the incidence of combined 30-day mortality or nonfatal stroke was 20.6%.