Thrombolytic medicines, also called clot busters, break up or dissolve blood clots. When blood clots form inside a blood vessel, they can block the flow of blood to the heart, lungs, brain, or other parts of the body. Blood carries oxygen and nutrition to the body. Blood clots may cause permanent damage, such as a heart attack or stroke.
If you are having a heart attack, a stroke, or other problems caused by a clot, your healthcare provider will decide if you should get this medicine. Starting this medicine within a few hours after you start having symptoms can improve your chances of recovery. Once the clot is gone, normal blood flow returns and there may be little damage. You may still need other types of treatment in addition to thrombolytic medicines.
Your healthcare provider will give you the medicine through a vein in your arm.
Thrombolytic medicines are not safe for some people. Your provider will decide if this medicine can be used to treat you.
Blood clots are made of fibrin. Fibrin causes blood to become solid. Thrombolytic medicines work with a chemical in your body so that it breaks down the fibrin and gets rid of the clot.
If you have any questions, ask your healthcare provider for more information. Be sure to keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.
