Alteplase Side Effects

Hematologic Side Effects

The occurrence of hemorrhaging was reported in patients taking alteplase and the risk of it increased with age, states drugs.com. Studies show that 25 percent of patients 70 years or older had hemorrhaging caused by injections of alteplase after heart attacks. Nearly 10 percent of the time, bleeding was fatal. Drugs.com states that in most instances, severe bleeding affected patients' gastrointestinal tract and genitourinary tract. Stroke is also possible in those who have hemorrhaging, but it is rare (1.2 percent to 1.6 percent).

Patients who have experienced a heart attack or pulmonary embolism are more likely to have cardiovascular side effects after being injected with alteplase. Drugs.com explains that side effects include abnormal heartbeat (increase or decrease in heart rate), blood clots and re-infarction (another heart attack). Other cardiovascular side effects include swelling beneath the skin, hemopericardium, chest pain and death. Females and those with diabetes, previous heart conditions or blood pressure problems and the elderly are more at risk of dying due to injections of this drug.

Drugs.com explains that stroke has occurred in 1 percent of those treated with alteplase following a heart attack. Further neurological problems are increased when a thrombotic stroke occurs. The occurrence of stroke is dependent on the amount of alteplase administered as well as the health history and age of patients. Others have reported headache and hemorrhaging within the cranium. Intracranial hemorrhaging increases in those who have had a heart attack and those with vascular disease and diabetes, states drugs.com

In rare cases, hypersensitivity issues have been reported. Swelling of the face, neck, lips and tongue is possible, as well as disease of the airways, throat tightness and difficulty swallowing. Hypersensitivity side effects have occurred in less than 0.02 percent of those treated, states drugs.com. Renal failure and gastrointestinal bleeding have also occurred. Inflammation and irritation near the injection site are common side effects associated with alteplase.

As stated by drugs.com, an allergic reaction to this drug is possible after injection. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction include tightness or pain in the chest, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, black or bloody stool, bloody vomit, coughing up blood, blurred vision, irregular heartbeat, chills and fever. Other serious side effects are swelling, redness or pain at the injection site that persists, severe bleeding, abdominal pain and easy bruising and bleeding. If you experience any of these side effects, seek immediate medical attention.