Indication
Cathflo® Activase® (alteplase) is indicated for the restoration of function to central venous access devices as assessed by the ability to withdraw blood.
Important Safety Information
Contraindications
Cathflo Activase should not be administered to patients with known hypersensitivity to alteplase or any component of the formulation.
Precautions
General
Certain causes of catheter dysfunction should be considered before treatment with Cathflo Activase (e.g. catheter malposition, mechanical failure, constriction by a suture and lipid deposits or drug precipitates within the catheter lumen). These types of conditions should be considered before treatment with Cathflo Activase.
Excessive pressure should be avoided when Cathflo Activase is instilled into the catheter. Such force could cause rupture of the catheter or expulsion of the clot into the circulation.
Bleeding
The most frequent adverse reaction associated with all thrombolytics in all approved indications is bleeding. Cathflo Activase has not been studied in patients known to be at risk for bleeding events that may be associated with the use of thrombolytics. Caution should be exercised with patients who have any condition for which bleeding constitutes a significant hazard.
Should serious bleeding in a critical location (e.g., intracranial, gastrointestinal, retroperitoneal, pericardial) occur, treatment with Cathflo Activase should be stopped and the drug should be withdrawn from the catheter.
Infections
Cathflo Activase should be used with caution in the presence of known or suspected infection in the catheter. Using Cathflo Activase in patients with infected catheters may release a localized infection into the systemic circulation. As with all catheterization procedures, care should be used to maintain aseptic technique.
Hypersensitivity
Hypersensitivity, including urticaria, angioedema and anaphylaxis, has been reported in association with use of Cathflo Activase. Monitor patients treated with Cathflo Activase for signs of hypersensitivity and treat appropriately if necessary.
Drug Interactions and Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions
The interaction of Cathflo Activase with other drugs has not been formally studied. Concomitant use of drugs affecting coagulation and/or platelet function has not been studied.
Potential interactions between Cathflo Activase and laboratory tests have not been studied.
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
Long-term studies in animals have not been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic potential or the effect on fertility.
Pregnancy
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Cathflo Activase should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Adverse Reactions
In clinical trials, the most serious adverse events reported after treatment were sepsis, gastrointestinal bleeding, and venous thrombosis.
You may report side effects to the FDA at (800) FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also report side effects to Genentech at (888) 835-2555.
Please see full Prescribing Information for additional Important Safety Information.
