Urokinase injection

What is this medicine?

UROKINASE (yoor uh KAHY neys) breaks-up blood clots. It is used to treat large blood clots formed in the lungs.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• blue color to lips or nailbeds

• fast, irregular heartbeat

• signs and symptoms of bleeding such as bloody or black, tarry stools; red or dark-brown urine; spitting up blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds; red spots on the skin; unusual bruising or bleeding from the eye, gums, or nose

• signs and symptoms of a stroke such as changes in vision; confusion; trouble speaking or understanding; severe headaches; sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg; trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination

• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• dizziness

• fever

• nausea, vomiting

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• aminocaproic acid

• aprotinin

• tranexamic acid

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• antiinflammatory drugs, NSAIDs like ibuprofen

• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines

• dipyridamole

• drotrecogin alfa

• fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids) supplements

• ginkgo

• medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin, enoxaparin, and dalteparin

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

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

• aneurysm

• bleeding problems or problems with blood clotting

• blood vessel disease or damaged blood vessels

• diabetic retinopathy

• head injury or tumor

• high blood pressure

• infection

• irregular heartbeats

• recent biopsy or surgery

• an unusual or allergic reaction to urokinase, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

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

This medicine contains albumin from human blood. It may be possible to pass an infection in this medicine. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medicine.

This medicine may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your doctor or health care professional if you notice any unusual bleeding.

Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen, or other nonprescription pain relievers for several days after receiving this medicine.