On this page
Short answer Living with alteplase: what to watch for Common questions Related questions Sources**Bleeding is the main side effect of alteplase, ranging from bruising at the IV site to bleeding inside the brain, stomach, or urinary tract.**
Alteplase works by breaking down clots, so anything that was already fragile can bleed more easily. Common milder effects include oozing at the injection or catheter site, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, nausea, vomiting, fever, and a drop in blood pressure. Less often, people have an allergic reaction with swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, and some develop irregular heartbeats when blood flow returns to the heart. Because alteplase is given in a hospital or infusion setting, your team checks your blood pressure and neurologic status often during and after the dose. Tell them right away about a sudden severe headache, new weakness or trouble speaking, black or bloody stools, pink or red urine, or coughing up blood.
Living with alteplase: what to watch for
Common questions
What are the side effects of Alteplase Injection?
Alteplase dissolves clots, so bleeding is the main side effect. Milder effects include oozing or bruising at the IV or catheter site, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, nausea, vomiting, fever, and low blood pressure. Serious effects include bleeding in the brain, stomach, or urinary tract, and allergic reactions with swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat. When alteplase is given for a heart attack, irregular heartbeats can occur as blood flow returns. Alteplase is given in a hospital or clinic, so your care team monitors you closely and treats problems as they appear. Report a sudden severe headache, new weakness, slurred speech, black stools, or blood in your urine immediately.