Metalyse 25 mg (Tenecteplase)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Metalyse 25 mg Used For?
Metalyse contains tenecteplase, which belongs to a group of medicines called tissue plasminogen activators. It is specifically designed to treat serious medical emergencies involving blood clots.
Primary Uses
Metalyse is used in adults to treat stroke caused by a blood clot in an artery of the brain (acute ischaemic stroke). This type of stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked by a clot.
How It Works
Metalyse works by dissolving clots in the blood vessels. These clots cause disease by interfering with normal blood flow. By breaking down the clot, the medicine helps restore blood flow to the affected area of the brain.
Time Critical: Treatment must be started within 4.5 hours of stroke symptoms beginning for maximum effectiveness
How Metalyse 25 mg Is Given
Metalyse is not a medication you take yourself. It will be prepared and given to you by a doctor or healthcare professional in a hospital setting as soon as possible after your stroke symptoms begin.
Administration Method
Metalyse is given as a single injection into a vein through a drip line. The dose ranges between 15 mg and 25 mg based on your body weight and is given over 5 to 10 seconds. The medicine comes as a powder that is mixed with sterile water before injection.
When Treatment Occurs
Treatment with Metalyse should be initiated as soon as possible after the start of your stroke symptoms. You will only receive one injection of Metalyse.
Medical Supervision: Metalyse is only given under strict medical supervision with appropriate monitoring equipment readily available
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Bleeding more easily than usual
- Bruising
- Bleeding at injection site
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Bleeding or blood clot in the head or brain (symptoms: difficulty speaking, weakness in arms/legs, memory loss, seizures)
- Bleeding from skin, nose, eyes, or back passage
- Blood in urine
- Coughing up blood
- Low blood pressure
- Nausea and vomiting
- Allergic reactions (shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling of face/lips/tongue, rash, itching)
- Fever
- Blockages of blood vessels leading to organ failure
Important Warnings
Because Metalyse increases bleeding risk, there are many situations where it cannot be safely used. Your doctor will carefully evaluate whether this treatment is appropriate for you.
Who Should Not Receive Metalyse 25 mg
You must not receive Metalyse if you are allergic to tenecteplase or gentamicin, have had a stroke that didn’t cause significant neurological problems, have any bleeding disorders, are currently bleeding internally, have very high uncontrolled blood pressure, have severe liver disease, stomach ulcers, recent heart/lung resuscitation in past 2 weeks, or if your stroke symptoms have lasted more than 4.5 hours.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have recent bleeding, blood clotting problems, blood vessel problems, high blood pressure, liver disease, recent major injury/trauma, recent medical procedures or surgery, heart problems, family history of bleeding disorders, or recent childbirth. Special caution is needed if you weigh less than 60 kg, are over 80 years old, had a very severe stroke, or have very low or high blood sugar levels.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Your doctor can discuss the risks and benefits with you. The safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been fully established.
Age Warning: Patients over 80 years of age have an increased probability of getting side effects and require special caution
Drug Interactions
Several types of medications can interfere with Metalyse and affect how it works, particularly those that affect blood clotting.
Complete Medication List: Tell your healthcare team about ALL medicines you take, including vitamins and supplements bought without prescription
- Blood-thinning medicines (antiplatelets like aspirin)
- Anticoagulants (such as heparin and warfarin)
- Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors for high blood pressure and heart conditions
- Any other medicines used to prevent blood clots
Precautions After Treatment
After receiving Metalyse, you will need to take special precautions to prevent complications, particularly bleeding and bruising.
Movement Restrictions
Avoid moving unnecessarily after receiving Metalyse to prevent bleeding or bruising. Medical staff will avoid giving you injections or moving you unless absolutely necessary.
Follow-up Care
Your doctor will probably continue to treat you with other medications after Metalyse treatment to reduce the risk of more blood clots forming.
Storage
Metalyse storage is handled by healthcare professionals. The medicine comes as a sterile, white to off-white powder in a clear glass vial that must be stored properly and mixed with sterile water for injections before use.
Overdose Information
An overdose is unlikely because Metalyse is administered under strict medical supervision. However, symptoms of an overdose may include bleeding. If serious bleeding occurs, your doctor will immediately stop treatment and start appropriate treatment to control the bleeding and, if necessary, replace lost blood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Metalyse begins working immediately to dissolve blood clots. It’s given as a single injection over 5-10 seconds and must be administered within 4.5 hours of stroke symptoms starting for maximum effectiveness.
No, you will only receive one injection of Metalyse. It is given as a single dose based on your body weight.
After treatment, you’ll be closely monitored for bleeding and other side effects. You’ll need to avoid unnecessary movement to prevent bleeding or bruising, and your doctor may prescribe additional medications to prevent new blood clots.
Metalyse can be used in elderly patients, but those over 80 years of age have an increased probability of side effects and require special caution. Your doctor will carefully weigh the risks and benefits.
The most serious risk is bleeding, particularly bleeding in the brain. Other serious risks include bleeding from various parts of the body, allergic reactions, and blood vessel blockages that can lead to organ failure.
It depends on how well controlled your blood pressure is. Metalyse cannot be given if you have very high and uncontrolled blood pressure. Your doctor will assess whether your blood pressure is at a safe level for treatment.
Blood-thinning medications can interfere with Metalyse. If you’re taking anticoagulants like warfarin, treatment may need to wait until their effects wear off. Always tell your healthcare team about all medications you’re taking.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.