Tenecteplase is an antiplatelet drug developed by the U.S. Food And Drug Administration and initially approved on 31 August 2000 for treating blood clots in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Tenecteplase helps to prevent blood clots in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), including unstable angina or myocardial infarction (heart attack).

Tenecteplase Injection can be administered only as an intravenous injection into a vein by your physician in a hospital setting. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. 

The side effects known to occur commonly during the treatment with Tenecteplase are headache, indigestion, nausea, constipation, rash, itching, pain and swelling in the joints, blurred vision, bleeding gums, and bruising. Some serious side effects include shortness of breath, a blood clotting problem called ttp (purplish spots in the mouth or mouth, fever, confusion, yellowing of the eyes or skin, fever), fainting, and bleeding (red or black stools, coughing up or vomiting with blood, red, pink, or brown urine).

This drug is contraindicated in individuals with known hypersensitivity or allergic reactions to other ingredients in it. If you are scheduled for surgery (including dental work), it is important to inform your doctor. Due to the increased risk of bleeding associated with this drug, your physician may advise you to stop taking the medication five days prior to the surgery.  If you develop irregular breathing patterns such as speeding up, slowing down, or experiencing short pauses in breathing, it is recommended to consult your doctor for further evaluation.

Tenecteplase is not recommended during pregnancy or if there is a possibility of becoming pregnant. It is advised for women to use appropriate contraceptive measures to prevent pregnancy while using this medication. If you are breastfeeding, it's important to consult with your physician before taking this drug.

Since Tenecteplase affects platelet production, it's essential to take precautions to avoid injuries and bleeding. Be cautious when engaging in activities that may increase your risk of injury, and report any unusual bleeding or bruising to your physician.

1. Boehringer Ingelheim Ltd, Electronic medicines compendium (EMC), [ Revised on Feb 2023] [ Accessed on 18th July 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.3013.pdf
2. Genentech, Inc, US Food and Drug Administration, [ Revised on Feb 2018] [ Accessed on 18th July 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/103909s5187lbl.pdf
3. Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Modulation of cardiovascular functions, 12th edition, 2011, 866.
4. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Drugs affecting coagulation, bleeding and thrombosis, 7th edition, 2013, 627.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice; it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.