|
Roche / Rapilysin
How does it work?
Rapilysin injection contains the active ingredient reteplase, which is a type of medicine called a recombinant plasminogen activator, or fibrinolytic. It is used to dissolve abnormal blood clots that have caused a heart attack.
Blood clots normally only form to stop bleeding that has occurred as a result of injury to the tissues. Sometimes, however, a blood clot can form abnormally within the blood vessels. The clot can then get lodged in a blood vessel, blocking the blood supply to a vital organ such as the heart, causing a heart attack.
Blood clots are made of red blood cells and platelets bound together with a substance called fibrin. Once they have fulfilled their normal purpose of stopping bleeding, the body dissolves clots by producing another substance called plasmin. Plasmin breaks down fibrin and allows the clots to break up.
Reteplase works by attaching to the fibrin in abnormal blood clots, such as those in the arteries supplying the heart. It then activates the production of plasmin, which causes the clots to disintegrate. This unblocks the blood vessel and allows blood flow to resume to the heart.
Reteplase must be given as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms of a heart attack, and within 12 hours, to reduce the amount of damage to the heart.
Rapilysin is given by injection into a vein to break up the blood clot. You will also be given heparin and aspirin to reduce the risk of further blood clots forming.
What is it used for?
Heart attack (myocardial infarction)
If you want to buy retail medicines, please click to Rapilysin... |
