ALTEPLASE: 12,687 Adverse Event Reports & Safety Profile

DESCRIPTION Cathflo ® Activase ® (Alteplase) is a tissue plasminogen activator (t‑PA) produced by recombinant DNA technology. It is a sterile, purified glycoprotein of 527 amino acids. It is synthesized using the complementary DNA (cDNA) for natural human tissue‑type plasminogen activator (t‑PA) obtained from an established human cell line. The manufacturing process involves secretion of the enzyme Alteplase into the culture medium by an established mammalian cell line (Chinese hamster ovary cells) into which the cDNA for Alteplase has been genetically inserted.

Cathflo

Activase (Alteplase) for injection is a sterile, white to pale yellow, lyophilized powder for intracatheter instillation for restoration of function to central venous access devices following reconstitution with Sterile Water for Injection, USP. Each vial of Cathflo Activase contains 2.2 mg of Alteplase (which includes a 10% overfill), 77 mg of L‑arginine, 0.2 mg of polysorbate 80, and phosphoric acid for pH adjustment. Each reconstituted vial will deliver 2 mg of Cathflo Activase, at a pH of approximately 7.3.

AND USAGE Activase is a tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) indicated for the treatment of: Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS). ( 1.1 )

Acute Myocardial

Infarction (AMI) to reduce mortality and incidence of heart failure. ( 1.2 ) Limitation of Use in AMI: the risk of stroke may be greater than the benefit in patients at low risk of death from cardiac causes. ( 1.2 )

Acute Massive Pulmonary

Embolism (PE) for lysis. ( 1.3 )

1.1 Acute Ischemic Stroke Activase is indicated for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. Exclude intracranial hemorrhage as the primary cause of stroke signs and symptoms prior to initiation of treatment <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Contraindications (4.1) ]</span> . Initiate treatment as soon as possible but within 3 hours after symptom onset.

1.2 Acute Myocardial Infarction Activase is indicated for use in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) for the reduction of mortality and reduction of the incidence of heart failure. Limitation of Use: The risk of stroke may outweigh the benefit produced by thrombolytic therapy in patients whose AMI puts them at low risk for death or heart failure.

1.3 Pulmonary Embolism Activase is indicated for the lysis of acute massive pulmonary embolism, defined as: Acute pulmonary emboli obstructing blood flow to a lobe or multiple lung segments. Acute pulmonary emboli accompanied by unstable hemodynamics, e.g., failure to maintain blood pressure without supportive measures.

AND ADMINISTRATION Acute Ischemic Stroke : The recommended dose is 0.9 mg/kg (not to exceed 90 mg total dose) infused intravenously over 60 minutes with 10% of the total dose administered as an initial bolus over 1 minute. ( 2.1 )

Acute Myocardial

Infarction : The recommended total dose is based on patient weight, not to exceed 100 mg. ( 2.2 )

Acute Massive Pulmonary

Embolism : The recommended dose is 100 mg administered by IV infusion over 2 hours. ( 2.3 ) Do not add other medications to infusions containing Activase. ( 2.5 )

2.1 Acute Ischemic Stroke Administer Activase as soon as possible but within 3 hours after onset of symptoms. The recommended dose is 0.9 mg/kg (not to exceed 90 mg total dose), with 10% of the total dose administered as an initial intravenous bolus over 1 minute and the remainder infused over 60 minutes. During and following Activase administration for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke, frequently monitor and control blood pressure. In patients without recent use of oral anticoagulants or heparin, Activase treatment can be initiated prior to the availability of coagulation study results.

Discontinue

Activase if the pretreatment International Normalized Ratio (INR) is greater than 1.7 or the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is elevated [see Contraindications (4.1) ] .

2.2 Acute Myocardial Infarction Administer Activase as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms. The recommended total doses for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is based on patient weight, not to exceed 100 mg, regardless of the selected administration regimen (accelerated or 3 hour, described below). There are two Activase dose regimens (accelerated and 3-hour) for use in the management of AMI; there are no controlled studies to compare clinical outcomes with these regimens <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Studies (14.2) ]</span>.

Accelerated Infusion

The recommended accelerated infusion dose consists of an IV bolus [see Dosage and Administration (2.4 , 2.5) ] followed by an IV infusion as set forth in Table 1 .

Table

1 Accelerated Infusion Weight-Based Doses for Patients with AMI Patient weight Intravenous Bolus First 30 min Next 60 min > 67 kg 15 mg 50 mg 35 mg ≤ 67 kg 15 mg 0.75 mg/kg 0.50 mg/kg The safety and efficacy of accelerated infusion of Activase have only been investigated with concomitant administration of heparin and aspirin [see Clinical Studies (14.2) ] . 3-Hour Infusion For patients weighing ≥ 65 kg, the recommended dose is 100 mg administered as 60 mg in the first hour (6-10 mg administered as a bolus), 20 mg over the second hour, and 20 mg over the third hour. For smaller patients (< 65 kg), a dose of 1.25 mg/kg administered over 3 hours may be used. Weight-based doses are shown in Table 2 .

Table

2 3-hour Infusion Weight-Based Doses for Patients with AMI Patient weight Bolus Rest of 1st hour 2nd hour 3rd hour ≥ 65 kg 6-10 mg 50-54 mg 20 mg 20 mg < 65 kg 0.075 mg/kg 0.675 mg/kg 0.25 mg/kg 0.25 mg/kg

2.3 Pulmonary Embolism (PE) The recommended dose is 100 mg administered by IV infusion over 2 hours. Institute parenteral anticoagulation near the end of or immediately following the Activase infusion when the partial thromboplastin time or thrombin time returns to twice normal or less.

2.4 Activase 50 mg Reconstitution and Administration Instructions Activase is for intravenous administration only. Do not add any other medication to infusion solutions containing Activase. Extravasation of Activase infusion can cause ecchymosis or inflammation. If extravasation occurs, terminate the infusion at that intravenous site and apply local therapy. Use within 8 hours following reconstitution (when stored at 2–30°C). Activase contains no antibacterial preservatives.

Activase

50 mg Reconstitution Notes Use only the accompanying Sterile Water for Injection (SWFI), USP without preservatives. Do not use Bacteriostatic Water for Injection, USP. Reconstitute using aseptic technique. Slight foaming is not unusual; let stand undisturbed for several minutes to allow large bubbles to dissipate. Inspect parenteral drug products for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration whenever solution and container permit. Activase may be administered as reconstituted at 1 mg/mL or further diluted immediately before administration in an equal volume of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP, or 5% Dextrose Injection, USP, to yield a concentration of 0.5 mg/mL, using either polyvinyl chloride bags or glass vials. Avoid excessive agitation during dilution; mix by gently swirling and/or slow inversion.

Activase

50 mg Reconstitution Instructions DO NOT USE IF VACUUM IS NOT PRESENT. Using a large bore needle (e.g., 18 gauge) and a syringe, reconstitute by adding the contents of the accompanying 50 mL vial of SWFI to the 50 mg vial of Activase, directing the SWFI stream into the lyophilized cake.

Activase

50 mg Preparation of Bolus Dose Prepare the bolus dose in one of the following ways: Remove the appropriate volume from the vial of reconstituted (1 mg/mL) Activase using a syringe and needle. The syringe should not be primed with air and the needle should be inserted into the Activase vial stopper. Remove the appropriate volume from a port (second injection site) on the infusion line after the infusion set is primed. Program an infusion pump to deliver the appropriate volume as a bolus at the initiation of the infusion.

Activase

50 mg Administration Following bolus dose, if indicated [see Dosage and Administration (2.1 , 2.2) ]: Administer using either a polyvinyl chloride bag or glass vial and infusion set.

2.5 Activase 100 mg Instructions for Use See the enclosed Instructions for Use for Activase 100 mg enclosed in the carton for reconstitution and administration instructions.

Alternative Dilution Instructions

Activase may be administered as reconstituted at 1 mg/mL or further diluted immediately before administration in an equal volume of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP, or 5% Dextrose Injection, USP, to yield a concentration of 0.5 mg/mL, using either polyvinyl chloride bags or glass vials.

General Active internal bleeding. ( 4.1 , 4.2 ) Recent intracranial or intraspinal surgery or serious head trauma. ( 4.1 , 4.2 ) Intracranial conditions that may increase the risk of bleeding. ( 4.1 , 4.2 ) Bleeding diathesis. ( 4.1 , 4.2 ) Current severe uncontrolled hypertension. ( 4.1 , 4.2 )

Acute Ischemic Stroke

Current intracranial hemorrhage. ( 4.1 ) Subarachnoid hemorrhage. ( 4.1 )

Acute Myocardial

Infarction or Pulmonary Embolism History of recent stroke. ( 4.2 )

4.1 Acute Ischemic Stroke Do not administer Activase to treat acute ischemic stroke in the following situations in which the risk of bleeding is greater than the potential benefit <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]</span> : Current intracranial hemorrhage Subarachnoid hemorrhage Active internal bleeding Recent (within 3 months) intracranial or intraspinal surgery or serious head trauma Presence of intracranial conditions that may increase the risk of bleeding (e.g., some neoplasms, arteriovenous malformations, or aneurysms) Bleeding diathesis Current severe uncontrolled hypertension.

4.2 Acute Myocardial Infarction or Pulmonary Embolism Do not administer Activase for treatment of AMI or PE in the following situations in which the risk of bleeding is greater than the potential benefit <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]</span>: Active internal bleeding History of recent stroke Recent (within 3 months) intracranial or intraspinal surgery or serious head trauma Presence of intracranial conditions that may increase the risk of bleeding (e.g. some neoplasms, arteriovenous malformations, or aneurysms) Bleeding diathesis Current severe uncontrolled hypertension.

REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in the other sections of the label: Bleeding [see Contraindications (4) , Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Thromboembolism [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ]

Cholesterol

Embolization [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] The most frequently occurring adverse reaction ( > 5%) is bleeding. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Genentech at 1-888-835-2555 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. The most frequent adverse reaction associated with Activase in all approved indications is bleeding.

Bleeding Acute Ischemic

Stroke (AIS) In clinical studies in patients with AIS (Studies 1 and 2) the incidence of intracranial hemorrhage, especially symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, was higher in Activase-treated patients than in placebo patients. A dose-finding study of Activase suggested that doses greater than 0.9 mg/kg may be associated with an increased incidence of intracranial hemorrhage. The incidence of all-cause 90-day mortality, intracranial hemorrhage, and new ischemic stroke following Activase treatment compared to placebo are presented in Table 3 as a combined safety analysis (n=624) for Studies 1 and 2. These data indicate a significant increase in intracranial hemorrhage following Activase treatment, particularly symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage within 36 hours. There was no increase in the incidences of 90-day mortality or severe disability in Activase-treated patients compared to placebo.

Table

3 Combined Safety Outcomes for Studies 1 and 2 Placebo (n= 312) Activase (n=312) p-Value Fisher's Exact Test. All-Cause 90-day Mortality 64 (20.5%) 54 (17.3%)

0.36 Total ICH Within trial follow-up period. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was defined as the occurrence of sudden clinical worsening followed by subsequent verification of intracranial hemorrhage on CT scan. Asymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was defined as intracranial hemorrhage detected on a routine repeat CT scan without preceding clinical worsening. 20 (6.4%) 48 (15.4%) &lt;0.01 Symptomatic 4 (1.3%) 25 (8.0%) &lt;0.01 Asymptomatic 16 (5.1%) 23 (7.4%)

0.32 Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage within 36 hours 2 (0.6%) 20 (6.4%) &lt;0.01 New Ischemic Stroke (3-months) 17 (5.4%) 18 (5.8%)

1.00 Bleeding events other than intracranial hemorrhage were noted in the studies of AIS and were consistent with the general safety profile of Activase.

In Studies

1 and 2, the frequency of bleeding requiring red blood cell transfusions was 6.4% for Activase-treated patients compared to 3.8% for placebo (p = 0.19). Although exploratory analyses of Studies 1 and 2 suggest that severe neurological deficit (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS > 22]) at presentation was associated with an increased risk of intracranial hemorrhage, efficacy results suggest a reduced but still favorable clinical outcome for these patients.

Acute Myocardial

Infarction (AMI) For the 3-hour infusion regimen in the treatment of AMI, the incidence of significant internal bleeding (estimated as > 250 mL blood loss) has been reported in studies in over 800 patients ( Table 4 ). These data do not include patients treated with the Activase accelerated infusion.

Table

4 Incidence of Bleeding in 3-Hour Infusion in AMI Patients Total Dose ≤100 mg Gastrointestinal 5% Genitourinary 4% Ecchymosis 1% Retroperitoneal <1% Epistaxis <1% Gingival <1% The incidence of intracranial hemorrhage in AMI patients treated with Activase is presented in Table 5 .

Table

5 Incidence of Intracranial Hemorrhage in AMI Patients Dose Number of Patients Intracranial Hemorrhage (%) 100 mg, 3-hour 3272 0.4 ≤ 100 mg, accelerated 10,396 0.7 150 mg 1779 1.3 1-1.4 mg/kg 237 0.4 A dose of 150 mg or greater should not be used in the treatment of AMI because it has been associated with an increase in intracranial bleeding.

Pulmonary

Embolism (PE) For acute massive pulmonary embolism, bleeding events were consistent with the general safety profile observed with Activase treatment of AMI patients receiving the 3-hour infusion regimen.

6.2 Post-Marketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of Activase. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. These reactions are frequent sequelae of the underlying disease, and the effect of Activase on the incidence of these events is unknown.

Acute Ischemic

Stroke: Cerebral edema, cerebral herniation, seizure, new ischemic stroke, embolism. These events may be life threatening and may lead to death.

Acute Myocardial

Infarction: Arrhythmias, AV block, cardiogenic shock, heart failure, cardiac arrest, recurrent ischemia, myocardial reinfarction, myocardial rupture, electromechanical dissociation, pericardial effusion, pericarditis, mitral regurgitation, cardiac tamponade, thromboembolism, pulmonary edema. These events may be life threatening and may lead to death. Nausea and/or vomiting, hypotension and fever have also been reported.

Pulmonary

Embolism: Pulmonary reembolization, pulmonary edema, pleural effusion, thromboembolism, hypotension. These events may be life threatening and may lead to death. Fever has also been reported.

AND PRECAUTIONS Increases the risk of bleeding. Avoid intramuscular injections. Monitor for bleeding. If serious bleeding occurs, discontinue Activase. ( 5.1 ) Monitor patients during and for several hours after infusion for hypersensitivity. If signs of hypersensitivity develop, discontinue Activase. ( 5.2 ) Consider the risk of reembolization from the lysis of underlying deep venous thrombi in patients with pulmonary embolism. ( 5.3 ) Cholesterol embolism has been reported rarely in patients treated with thrombolytic agents. ( 5.4 )

5.1 Bleeding Activase can cause significant, sometimes fatal, internal or external bleeding, especially at arterial and venous puncture sites. Avoid intramuscular injections and trauma to the patient while on Activase. Perform venipunctures carefully and only as required. To minimize bleeding from noncompressible sites, avoid internal jugular and subclavian venous punctures. If an arterial puncture is necessary during Activase infusion, use an upper extremity vessel that is accessible to manual compression, apply pressure for at least 30 minutes, and monitor the puncture site closely. Because of the higher risk of intracranial hemorrhage in patients treated for acute ischemic stroke, limit treatment to facilities that can provide timely access to appropriate evaluation and management of intracranial hemorrhage. Fatal cases of hemorrhage associated with traumatic intubation in patients administered Activase have been reported. Aspirin and heparin have been administered concomitantly with and following infusions of Activase in the management of acute myocardial infarction and pulmonary embolism, but the concomitant administration of heparin and aspirin with and following infusions of Activase for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke during the first 24 hours after symptom onset has not been investigated. Because heparin, aspirin, or Activase may cause bleeding complications, carefully monitor for bleeding, especially at arterial puncture sites. Hemorrhage can occur 1 or more days after administration of Activase, while patients are still receiving anticoagulant therapy. If serious bleeding occurs, terminate the Activase infusion and treat appropriately. In the following conditions, the risks of bleeding with Activase therapy for all approved indications are increased and should be weighed against the anticipated benefits: Recent major surgery or procedure, (e.g., coronary artery bypass graft, obstetrical delivery, organ biopsy, previous puncture of noncompressible vessels) Cerebrovascular disease Recent intracranial hemorrhage Recent gastrointestinal or genitourinary bleeding Recent trauma Hypertension: systolic BP above 175 mm Hg or diastolic BP above 110 mm Hg Acute pericarditis Subacute bacterial endocarditis Hemostatic defects including those secondary to severe hepatic or renal disease Significant hepatic dysfunction Pregnancy Diabetic hemorrhagic retinopathy, or other hemorrhagic ophthalmic conditions Septic thrombophlebitis or occluded AV cannula at seriously infected site Advanced age <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Use in Specific Populations (8.5) ]</span> Patients currently receiving anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin sodium) Any other condition in which bleeding constitutes a significant hazard or would be particularly difficult to manage because of its location.

5.2 Hypersensitivity Hypersensitivity, including urticarial / anaphylactic reactions, have been reported after administration of Activase (e.g., laryngeal edema, rash and shock). Rare fatal outcome for hypersensitivity was reported. Angioedema has been observed during and up to 2 hours after Activase infusion in patients treated for acute ischemic stroke and acute myocardial infarction. In many cases, patients received concomitant angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Drug Interactions (7) ]</span> . Monitor patients treated with Activase during and for several hours after infusion for hypersensitivity. If signs of hypersensitivity occur, e.g. anaphylactoid reaction or angioedema develops, discontinue the Activase infusion and promptly institute appropriate therapy (e.g., antihistamines, intravenous corticosteroids, epinephrine).

5.3 Thromboembolism The use of thrombolytics can increase the risk of thrombo-embolic events in patients with high likelihood of left heart thrombus, such as patients with mitral stenosis or atrial fibrillation. Activase has not been shown to treat adequately underlying deep vein thrombosis in patients with PE. Consider the possible risk of re-embolization due to the lysis of underlying deep venous thrombi in this setting.

5.4 Cholesterol Embolization Cholesterol embolism has been reported rarely in patients treated with thrombolytic agents; the true incidence is unknown. Cholesterol embolism may present with livedo reticularis, &quot;purple toe&quot; syndrome, acute renal failure, gangrenous digits, hypertension, pancreatitis, myocardial infarction, cerebral infarction, spinal cord infarction, retinal artery occlusion, bowel infarction, or rhabdomyolysis and can be fatal. It is associated with invasive vascular procedures (e.g., cardiac catheterization, angiography, vascular surgery) and/or anticoagulant therapy.

5.5 Coagulation Tests May Be Unreliable during Activase Therapy Coagulation tests and measures of fibrinolytic activity may be unreliable during Activase therapy, unless specific precautions are taken to prevent in vitro artifacts. When present in blood at pharmacologic concentrations, Activase remains active under in vitro conditions, which can result in degradation of fibrinogen in blood samples removed for analysis.

PRECAUTIONS General Catheter dysfunction may be caused by a variety of conditions other than thrombus formation, such as catheter malposition, mechanical failure, constriction by a suture, and lipid deposits or drug precipitates within the catheter lumen. These types of conditions should be considered before treatment with Cathflo Activase. Because of the risk of damage to the vascular wall or collapse of soft‑walled catheters, vigorous suction should not be applied during attempts to determine catheter occlusion. Excessive pressure should be avoided when Cathflo Activase is instilled into the catheter. Such force could cause rupture of the catheter or expulsion of the clot into the circulation.

Bleeding

The most frequent adverse reaction associated with all thrombolytics in all approved indications is bleeding (3,4).

Cathflo

Activase has not been studied in patients known to be at risk for bleeding events that may be associated with the use of thrombolytics. Caution should be exercised with patients who have active internal bleeding or who have had any of the following within 48 hours: surgery, obstetrical delivery, percutaneous biopsy of viscera or deep tissues, or puncture of non‑compressible vessels. In addition, caution should be exercised with patients who have thrombocytopenia, other hemostatic defects (including those secondary to severe hepatic or renal disease), or any condition for which bleeding constitutes a significant hazard or would be particularly difficult to manage because of its location, or who are at high risk for embolic complications (e.g., venous thrombosis in the region of the catheter). Death and permanent disability have been reported in patients who have experienced stroke and other serious bleeding episodes when receiving pharmacologic doses of a thrombolytic. Should serious bleeding in a critical location (e.g., intracranial, gastrointestinal, retroperitoneal, pericardial) occur, treatment with Cathflo Activase should be stopped and the drug should be withdrawn from the catheter.

Infections Cathflo

Activase should be used with caution in the presence of known or suspected infection in the catheter.

Using Cathflo

Activase in patients with infected catheters may release a localized infection into the systemic circulation (see ADVERSE REACTIONS ). As with all catheterization procedures, care should be used to maintain aseptic technique.

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity, including urticaria, angioedema and anaphylaxis, has been reported in association with use of Cathflo Activase. Monitor patients treated with Cathflo Activase for signs of hypersensitivity and treat appropriately if necessary. Re-Administration In clinical trials, patients received up to two 2 mg/2 mL doses (4 mg total) of Alteplase. Additional re-administration of Cathflo Activase has not been studied. Antibody formation in patients receiving one or more doses of Cathflo Activase for restoration of function to CVADs has not been studied.

Drug Interactions

The interaction of Cathflo Activase with other drugs has not been formally studied. Concomitant use of drugs affecting coagulation and/or platelet function has not been studied.

Drug/Laboratory

Test Interactions Potential interactions between Cathflo Activase and laboratory tests have not been studied. Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility Long‑term studies in animals have not been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic potential or the effect on fertility. Short-term studies that evaluated tumorigenicity of Alteplase and effect on tumor metastases were negative in rodents. Studies to determine mutagenicity (Ames test) and chromosomal aberration assays in human lymphocytes were negative at all concentrations tested. Cytotoxicity, as reflected by a decrease in mitotic index, was evidenced only after prolonged exposure at high concentrations exceeding those expected to be achieved with Cathflo Activase.

Pregnancy

Alteplase has been shown to have an embryocidal effect due to an increased postimplantation loss rate in rabbits when administered intravenously during organogenesis at a dose (3 mg/kg) approximately 50 times human exposure (based on AUC) at the dose for restoration of function to occluded CVADs. No maternal or fetal toxicity was evident at a dose (1 mg/kg) approximately 16 times human exposure at the dose for restoration of function to occluded CVADs. There are no adequate and well‑controlled studies in pregnant women.

Cathflo

Activase should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Nursing

Mothers It is not known whether Cathflo Activase is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when Cathflo Activase is administered to a nursing woman.

Pediatric

Use A total of 432 subjects under age 17 have received Cathflo Activase in the three trials. Rates of serious adverse events were similar in the pediatric and adult patients, as were the rates of catheter function restoration.

Geriatric Use In

312 patients enrolled who were age 65 years and over, no incidents of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), embolic events, or major bleeding events were observed. One hundred three of these patients were age 75 years and over, and 12 were age 85 years and over. The effect of Alteplase on common age-related comorbidities has not been studied. In general, caution should be used in geriatric patients with conditions known to increase the risk of bleeding (see PRECAUTIONS, Bleeding ).

INTERACTIONS The interaction of Activase with other cardioactive or cerebroactive drugs has not been studied. Anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs increase the risk of bleeding if administered prior to, during, or after Activase therapy. In the post-marketing setting, there have been reports of angioedema in patients (primarily patients with AIS) receiving concomitant angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. Anticoagulants and drugs that inhibit platelet function increase the risk of bleeding when administered with Activase therapy. ( 7 ) Concomitant angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors may increase the risk of angioedema. ( 7 )