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In acute ischemic stroke
An educated patient is a prepared patient

There are 2 components of stroke patient education:

  • Before a stroke, education can empower people to recognize symptoms fast so they can get to a hospital within 3 hours of onset and have more treatment options
  • After a stroke, education will help patients and their families make a quick, yet informed, decision with the guidance of their doctor about whether to choose treatment with Activase (Alteplase)

Patient counseling after acute ischemic stroke can expand to family members. Particularly if a patient cannot fully understand or communicate, relatives will need to understand what has happened to the brain during a stroke so they can help decide on treatment options.

Patient counseling brochure

Patient counseling brochure

Patient counseling flashcards

Patient counseling flashcards

  • Easy-to-read flashcards demonstrate what happens during an acute ischemic stroke and show how Activase (t-PA) may help reverse detrimental neurologic effects

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Genentech® Access to Care Foundation

  • Although Genentech's products are covered by most government and private insurance, Genentech has established the Genentech® Access to Care Foundation for each of its marketed products to make them available to qualified uninsured or underinsured patients in the United States
  • For consideration of eligibility for resources from the Genentech® Access to Care Foundation, the patient must qualify based on income restrictions and be uninsured or rendered uninsured by payer denial. Please direct requests for application forms and more specific information on eligibility to:
    DOWNLOAD ACCESS TO CARE FOUNDATION INFORMATION AND QUALIFICATION FORM

Links to stroke information and organizations

Genentech is neither affiliated with nor endorses the following organizations.

American Stroke Association (ASA)
www.strokeassociation.org
The ASA is a division of the American Heart Association. It focuses on "reducing disability and death from stroke through research, education, fundraising, and advocacy." The ASA Web site offers vital information about stroke, including warning signs, general facts, and treatment. The site also provides resources such as a multimedia stroke library, The Heart and Stroke Encyclopedia, educational materials, and a free subscription to Stroke Connection magazine.

National Stroke Association (NSA)
www.stroke.org
The NSA, established in 1984, is the only national nonprofit organization in the United States specifically dedicated to reducing the incidence and impact of stroke. The NSA provides education and other services committed to the prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and recovery of stroke. On the Web site, patients can find answers to frequently asked questions, tips on prevention, and other facts about stroke. Materials are also available in French and Spanish. In addition, the NSA Web site offers a number of resources for family members of stroke victims.

Indication
Activase (Alteplase) is indicated for the management of acute ischemic stroke in adults for improving neurological recovery and reducing the incidence of disability. Treatment should only be initiated within 3 hours after the onset of stroke symptoms, and after exclusion of intracranial hemorrhage by a cranial computerized tomography (CT) scan or other diagnostic imaging method sensitive for the presence of hemorrhage (see CONTRAINDICATIONS).

Safety Information
Activase therapy in patients with AIS is contraindicated in certain situations (eg, suspicion of subarachnoid hemorrhage on pretreatment evaluation, recent (within 3 months) intracranial or intraspinal surgery, history of intracranial hemorrhage, uncontrolled hypertension at time of treatment, active internal bleeding, known bleeding diathesis (eg, current use of oral anticoagulants, administration of heparin within 48 hours of onset of stroke, platelet count <100,000) (see CONTRAINDICATIONS for full list).

The most common complication during Activase therapy is bleeding. Should serious bleeding in a critical location (intracranial, gastrointestinal, retroperitoneal, pericardial) occur, Activase therapy should be discontinued immediately. Death and permanent disability are not uncommonly reported in patients who have experienced stroke (including intracranial bleeding) and other serious bleeding episodes.

The risks of Activase therapy may be increased and should be weighed against the anticipated benefits in certain conditions. [See WARNINGS in full prescribing information].

  • Patients with severe neurological deficit (eg, NIHSS >22) at presentation. There is an increased risk of intracranial hemorrhage in these patients.
  • Patients with major early infarct signs on a computerized cranial tomography (CT) scan (eg, substantial edema, mass effect, or midline shift).

Treatment of patients with minor neurological deficit or with rapidly improving symptoms is not recommended.

Orolingual angioedema has been observed in postmarketing experience in patients treated with Activase for AIS. Patients should be monitored during and for several hours after infusion for signs of orolingual angioedema.

Please click here for full prescribing information.