Streptokinase (Injection)

Streptokinase (strep-toe-KYE-nase)

Used to treat people who are having a heart attack. Also used to break up blood clots in the blood vessels of lungs, leg veins, and around the heart.

Brand Name(s):

Streptase
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not get this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to streptokinase. If you have high blood pressure, bleeding disorders or bleeding anywhere in your body, or if you have had a stroke, then you should not get this medicine.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your dose and tell you how long it will be given.
• This medicine is very strong. Make sure you understand why you are getting it and what the risks and benefits of treatment are. It is important for you to follow your doctors orders closely.
• The medicine will be given through a tube that goes in one of your blood veins. This is called intravenous (in-tra-VEEN-us), or IV.
• This medicine will be given by nurse or other caregiver trained to give IV medicine.
• You will get this medicine in a hospital, so the results of your treatment can be watched closely.
• If you have any questions about your treatment, ask your caregiver.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• When you go to the hospital, make sure you tell the doctor what medicine you have been taking, especially: Persantine®, blood thinners (such as Coumadin®), or pain and arthritis medicines (such as Motrin® or Aleve®).
• You should not use aspirin or medicine that has aspirin in it (such as Alka-Seltzer®, Soma® Compound, Coricidin®, Sine-Off®) while you are being treated with streptokinase.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding or have recently had a baby, talk to your doctor before you get this medicine.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have had any kind of surgery or dental work recently, a 'strep' infection, rheumatic fever, bleeding in your stomach or bowels, or any other medical problems.
• If you start to have pain, redness, or swelling where the IV is given, tell your caregiver right away. Tell your caregiver if you see any blood in or around your IV tube.
• Tell your caregiver if you feel lightheaded or fluttering in your chest

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Blood in your urine or bowel movements (or black tarry stools)
• Bloody vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• Nosebleeds or bleeding from any area
• Purple spots on skin or unexplained bruises
• Wheezing or trouble breathing
• Skin rash, itching, or hives
• Swelling in the face, lips, or mouth

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.