Kinlytic

Kinlytic is a thrombolytic (THROM-bo-LIT-ik) drug, sometimes referred to as a "clot-busting" drug. It helps your body create a substance that breaks down unwanted blood clots.

Kinlytic is used to treat blood clots in the lungs.

Kinlytic may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

If you can, before you get Kinlytic, let your doctor know if you have a brain tumor or aneurysm, hemophilia or another bleeding disorder, high blood pressure, or if you have recently had a stroke, brain or spinal surgery, or a medical emergency that required CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).

In an emergency, you might not be able to inform your caregivers about your health issues. Ensure that any doctor who treats you afterward is aware that you have received Kinlytic.

You should not be treated with Kinlytic if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• active bleeding inside your body;
• a brain tumor or blood vessel disorder;
• a brain aneurysm (dilated blood vessel);
• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder (such as hemophilia);
• severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure;
• if you have had a recent medical emergency requiring CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation); or
• if you have had a stroke, brain surgery, or spinal surgery within the past 2 months.

If possible before you receive Kinlytic, tell your doctor if you have:

• a history of stroke;
• severe liver or kidney disease;
• eye problems caused by diabetes;
• an infection of the lining of your heart (also called bacterial endocarditis);
• a blood clot of your heart;
• a recent history of stomach or intestinal bleeding;
• if you are pregnant or have had a baby within the past 10 days; or
• if you have had surgery or an organ transplant within the past 10 days.

In an emergency situation, it may not be possible to tell your caregivers if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Make sure any doctor caring for your pregnancy or your baby knows you have received this medicine.

Kinlytic is made from human plasma (part of the blood) which may contain viruses and other infectious agents. Donated plasma is tested and treated to reduce the risk of it containing infectious agents, but there is still a small possibility it could transmit disease. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Kinlytic increases your risk of bleeding, which can be severe or life-threatening. Call your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if you have bleeding that will not stop. Bleeding may occur from a surgical incision, or from the skin where a needle was inserted during a blood test or while receiving injectable medication. You may also have bleeding inside your body, such as in your stomach or intestines, kidneys or bladder, brain, or within the muscles.

Call your doctor at once if you have signs of bleeding inside your body, such as:

• easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums, bleeding from a wound, incision, catheter, or needle injection);
• bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
• red or pink urine; or
• sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance.

Some side effects may occur during or within 1 hour after the injection. Tell your caregiver right away if you feel chilled or feverish, nauseated, light-headed, or have chest tightness, back pain, trouble breathing, or fast heartbeats.

Also call your doctor at once if you have:

• chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;
• swelling, rapid weight gain, little or no urinating;
• severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting;
• darkening or purple discoloration of your fingers or toes;
• very slow heartbeats, shortness of breath, feeling light-headed;
• sudden severe back pain, muscle weakness, numbness or loss of feeling in your arms or legs;
• dangerously high blood pressure--severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears, nosebleed, anxiety, confusion, severe chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeats; or
• pancreatitis--severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Kinlytic is injected into a vein through an IV. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Kinlytic is given slowly, usually over a period of 12 hours, using a continuous infusion pump.

Your breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and other vital signs will be watched closely while you are receiving Kinlytic.

After treatment with Kinlytic, your doctor may prescribe a blood thinner or other medication to help prevent future blood clots. Carefully follow all dosing instructions. These medications can make it easier for you to bleed, even from a minor injury.

Because you will receive Kinlytic in a clinical setting, it is unlikely that you will miss a dose.

Since this medication is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to happen.

Ask your doctor before taking aspirin or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) soon after you have received Kinlytic. These medications can raise your risk of bleeding.

Avoid activities that may raise your risk of bleeding or injury. Be extra careful to prevent bleeding while shaving or brushing your teeth.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

• a blood thinner (heparin, warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven);
• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)--aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others; or
• medication used to prevent blood clots--abciximab, eptifibatide, tirofiban, vorapaxar.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with urokinase, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.