Drugs & Vitamins

Abbokinase Active Ingredients: Urokinase Representative Names: Abbokinase What is urokinase injection? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I use this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with urokinase? What side effects may I notice from receiving urokinase? What should I watch for while taking urokinase? Where can I keep my medicine? What is urokinase injection? (Back to top) UROKINASE (Abbokinase®) can dissolve blood clots that form in the heart, blood vessels, or lungs after a heart attack, or some other disease process. Urokinase is called a thrombolytic agent and works best when it is given soon after the onset of heart attack symptoms. Urokinase can also dissolve blood clots that form in intravenous catheters (tubing that goes into a vein for the infusion of intravenous fluids or medicines). Generic urokinase injections are not yet available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •aneurysm •bleeding problems or problems with blood clotting •blood vessel disease or damaged blood vessels •diabetic retinopathy •head injury or tumor •high blood pressure •infection •irregular heartbeats •receiving intramuscular injections •recent biopsy or surgery •an unusual or allergic reaction to urokinase, streptokinase, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I use this medicine? (Back to top) Urokinase is for injection into a vein. It is given by a health-care professional in a clinic or hospital setting. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) This does not apply. What drug(s) may interact with urokinase? (Back to top) •antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen) •aspirin and aspirin-like medicines •blood thinners, like warfarin, heparin or enoxaparin •dipyridamole •fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids) supplements •plicamycin •some antibiotics •sulfinpyrazone •valproic acid Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from receiving urokinase? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •blood in the urine, stools, or vomit •chest pain or tightness •difficulty breathing, wheezing •severe headache •skin rash, itching •slow or fast heart rate •unusual bleeding, bruising, or purple spots on the skin •unusual swelling Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •dizziness, lightheadedness •fever What should I watch for while taking urokinase? (Back to top) You will be closely monitored to check your progress after you have received urokinase. Follow your prescriber's advice exactly; you may need bed rest to minimize the risk of bleeding. Urokinase is made from human cells and there is a risk that you may develop an infection after receiving urokinase. This risk cannot be predicted by your prescriber. You should discuss any concerns about receiving urokinase with your prescriber or health care professional before receiving the medicine. Urokinase can make you bleed more freely; this effect can last for several days. Try to avoid damage to your teeth and gums when you brush or floss your teeth, and to avoid any other injury to yourself. Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen, or other nonprescription pain relievers during or for several days after urokinase treatment unless otherwise instructed by your prescriber or health care professional. You may feel dizzy or lightheaded. To avoid the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, sit or stand up slowly, especially if you are an older patient. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children. Urokinase is only given in a hospital setting. You will not need to take this medicine at home. Last Updated:05/24/2002 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.