Urokinase is a thrombolytic agent: it acts by dissolving blood clots.

 

What is Urokinase?

 

Urokinase is used to treat the presence of clots in the blood level in the lungs.

 

How should Urokinase be taken?

 

The urokinase is administered in a hospital via an intravenous injection, slowly, and continuously over 12 hours. Meanwhile the vital parameters (such as breathing, blood pressure and oxygen) are kept strictly under control.

 

Side effects associated with Urokinase

 

The potential side effects of urokinase may include:

 

  • Severe bleeding after surgery, injections or blood sampling
  • Internal bleeding , for example in the gastrointestinal level, the brain or muscles

 

Therefore, it is important to contact a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:

 

  • Unexpected bleeding or bruising
  • Blood in the stool
  • Blood in the sputum
  • Blood in urine
  • Blood in vomit
  • Sudden weakness
  • Strong and sudden headaches
  • Difficulty speaking
  • Problems with balance or vision

 

It is also recommended to contact a doctor if you experience:

 

  • Symptoms of an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling in the face, lips, tongue or throat
  • Pain or tightness in the chest that extend to the shoulders
  • Nausea, sweating, malaise
  • Fever, chills, flu-like symptoms, back pain or stomach pain
  • Swelling, rapid weight gain, difficulty urinating
  • Redness of the fingers
  • Cyanosis of the lips, fingernails and respiratory problems
  • Strong increase in pressure

 

Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Urokinase

The intake of urokinase is not recommended in cases of:

 

  • Allergy to the active substance
  • Aneurysm
  • Haemophilia or other bleeding disorders
  • Internal bleeding
  • Hypertension
  • Recent stroke, spinal surgery or cardiopulmonary resuscitation
  • Brain tumors

 

It is also important to inform your doctor if:

 

  • You have cardiac blood clots
  • You suffer from bacterial endocarditis
  • You have severe liver or kidney disease
  • In cases of pregnancy, childbirth or breast-feeding within the previous 10 days
  • You have undergone surgeries or transplants within the previous 10 days
  • You have eye problems associated with diabetes
  • You suffered a recent gastrointestinal bleeding