Metalyse (Tenecteplase)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Metalyse Used For?
Metalyse contains tenecteplase and belongs to a group of medicines called tissue plasminogen activators. It is specifically used during the early stages of a heart attack to help restore blood flow.
Primary Uses
Metalyse is used during the early stages of a heart attack to dissolve blood clots that are blocking blood vessels in the heart.
How It Works
Metalyse works by dissolving clots in the blood vessels. These clots cause problems by interfering with normal blood flow to the heart muscle.
How Metalyse Is Given
Metalyse will be prepared and given to you by your doctor or healthcare professional in a hospital setting. It is not a medication you take at home.
Dosage Instructions
The recommended dose is based on your body weight and ranges between 30 mg and 50 mg. The dose is given as a single injection over about 10 seconds into a vein through a drip line. Metalyse is a powder that is mixed with sterile water before injection.
When You Will Receive Metalyse
You should be treated with Metalyse as soon as possible after the onset of your heart attack symptoms. Treatment timing is critical for effectiveness.
Important: You should only receive one injection of Metalyse. Any leftover solution should be discarded and not used for anyone else.
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 head or brain (difficulty speaking, slurred speech, weakness in arms or legs, headache, dizziness, confusion, memory loss, seizures)
- bleeding from skin, nose, or eyes
- nausea and vomiting
- vomiting blood or coffee-ground material
- bleeding from back passage or bloody diarrhea
- blood in urine
- coughing up blood
- low blood pressure
- irregular heartbeat
- allergic reaction (shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling of face/lips/tongue, rash, itching, hives)
- fever
- blockages of blood vessels leading to organ failure
Important Warnings
Metalyse significantly increases your risk of bleeding, which can be serious or life-threatening. There are many conditions that make it unsafe to receive this medication.
Who Should Not Take Metalyse
You must not receive Metalyse if you: are allergic to tenecteplase or gentamicin; have a planned heart procedure (PCI); are under 18 years old; have current bleeding or severe bleeding in past 6 months; have family history of bleeding disorders; are taking blood thinners like warfarin; had major surgery, biopsy or trauma in past 2 months; had stroke due to brain bleeding or stroke of unknown origin; had blood clot stroke or TIA in past 6 months; have severe uncontrolled high blood pressure; have tumors with bleeding risk; have blood clotting defects; have brain or spinal cord aneurysms; had brain or spinal surgery; have brain or spinal tumors; had recent head trauma; had CPR in past 2 weeks; have severe liver disease; have heart or pancreas inflammation; had childbirth or medical procedures in past 10 days; have stomach ulcers in past 3 months.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: allergies to medicines, foods, or dyes; recent major trauma or surgery; brain blood supply problems; previous stroke or TIA more than 6 months ago; recent stomach or genital bleeding; high blood pressure; heart conditions or infections; severe pancreas problems; severe liver disease; blood problems with liver or kidney disease; diabetes; eye bleeding; body weight less than 60 kg; age 75 years or older.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Your doctor can discuss the risks and benefits with you.
Elderly Patients: If you are over 75 years of age, you may have an increased chance of getting side effects from Metalyse.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Metalyse and increase your risk of bleeding complications.
- aspirin
- heparin
- warfarin
- other blood-thinning medicines
- medicines used to prevent blood clots
Precautions After Treatment
After receiving Metalyse, you will need to follow specific precautions to prevent bleeding and complications.
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 Treatment
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 is stored and prepared by healthcare professionals in hospital settings. It comes as a sterile powder in a clear glass vial that must be mixed with sterile water before use.
Overdose Information
An overdose is unlikely because Metalyse is administered under medical supervision. Symptoms of overdose may include bleeding. If serious bleeding occurs, your doctor will immediately stop treatment and start appropriate treatment to control bleeding and replace lost blood if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Metalyse works by dissolving blood clots in your blood vessels. You should receive treatment as soon as possible after the start of your heart attack symptoms for the best results.
Metalyse is given as a single injection over about 10 seconds into a vein through a drip line. Your healthcare team will ensure you are as comfortable as possible during the procedure.
No, you should only receive one injection of Metalyse. Any leftover solution that was prepared should be thrown away and not used again.
After treatment, you may receive other medications like heparin to help prevent blood vessels from becoming blocked again. You will need to avoid unnecessary movement to prevent bleeding or bruising.
Yes, if you are over 75 years of age, you may have an increased chance of getting side effects from Metalyse. Your doctor will carefully consider the risks and benefits before treatment.
Serious side effects include bleeding problems, heart issues like irregular heartbeat or low blood pressure, and allergic reactions. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice difficulty speaking, weakness, bleeding, shortness of breath, or swelling.
Tell your healthcare team about all medicines you’re taking, especially blood-thinning medicines like aspirin, heparin, or warfarin, as these can increase your risk of bleeding when combined with Metalyse.
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.