What is tPA and when is it used?

Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), also called alteplase, is a medication made of a protein that can dissolve blood clots. This so-called “clot-buster” is a life-saving treatment for stroke and heart attack.

What type of stroke uses tPA?

The most widely known and the only FDA-approved drug for treatment of ischemic stroke — intravenous tPA (tissue plasminogen activator) — can reverse stroke if given to carefully selected patients within a few hours of stroke onset.

What are examples of tPA?

Its primary function includes catalyzing the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin, the primary enzyme involved in dissolving blood clots. Examples of these drugs include alteplase, reteplase, and tenecteplase.

What is tPA made of?

tPA is made by the cells lining blood vessels and has also been made in the laboratory. It is systemic thrombolytic (clot-busting) agent and is used in the treatment of heart attack and stroke. Activase (alteplase) is a tissue plasminogen activator produced by recombinant DNA technology.

Why is tPA given?

When administered quickly after stroke onset (within three hours, as approved by the FDA), tPA helps to restore blood flow to brain regions affected by a stroke, thereby limiting the risk of damage and functional impairment.

Who Cannot receive tPA?

Other Contraindications for tPA Significant head trauma or prior stroke in the previous 3 months. Symptoms suggest subarachnoid hemorrhage. Arterial puncture at a noncompressible site in previous 7 days. History of previous intracranial hemorrhage.

How much does a tPA cost?

The direct cost of IV tPA in the United States approximates $7000/100-mg vial.

What are the risks of tPA?

Complications related to intravenous r-tPA include symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, major systemic hemorrhage, and angioedema in approximately 6%, 2%, and 5% of patients, respectively.

Who should not get tPA?

Relative Exclusion Criteria Pregnancy. Seizure at the onset with postictal residual neurological impairments. Major surgery or serious trauma within prior 14 days. Recent GI or urinary tract hemorrhage (within previous 21 days)