1. Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease) Slideshow Pictures
2. Slideshow: Atrial Fibrillation Causes, Tests, and Treatment
3. Take the Heart Disease Quiz!

What should I discuss with my health care provider before I receive tenecteplase (TNKase)?

You should not receive this medication if you have:

• internal bleeding;
• a history of stroke;
• brain cancer;
• brain aneurysm;
• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder (such as hemophilia); or
• if you have had brain or spinal cord injury or surgery within the past 2 months.

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely receive this medication. Before you receive tenecteplase, tell your doctor if you have:

• a blood vessel disorder of the eye;
• severe liver or kidney disease;
• high blood pressure;
• an infection of the lining of your heart (also called bacterial endocarditis);
• a recent history of bleeding in your stomach, intestines, or urinary tract;
• if you have recently had a baby; or
• if you have recently had a serious injury or major surgery.

FDA pregnancy category C. Tenecteplase may be harmful to an unborn baby. Before you receive this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether tenecteplase passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Before you receive this medication , tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is tenecteplase given (TNKase)?

Tenecteplase is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection in a hospital or emergency setting. It is usually given as soon as possible after the first signs of heart attack occur.

Tenecteplase can cause you to have unusual results with blood tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you have recently received tenecteplase.

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