Activase and Bayrab

• Generic Name: alteplase
• Dosage Forms: injection
• Other Brand Names: Activase, Cathflo Activase

Activase is a thrombolytic (THROM-bo-LIT-ik) drug, sometimes called a "clot-busting" drug. It helps your body produce a substance that dissolves unwanted blood clots.

Activase is used to treat a stroke caused by a blood clot or other obstruction in a blood vessel. This medicine is also used to prevent death from a heart attack (acute myocardial infarction).

Activase is also used to treat a blood clot in the lung (pulmonary embolism).

Activase is also used to dissolve blood clots that have formed in or around a catheter placed inside a blood vessel. This improve the flow of medicines injected in through the catheter, or blood drawn out through the catheter.

Activase may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

• Generic Name: rabies immune globulin, human
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Bayrab, HyperRAB, Imogam Rabies-HT, Kedrab

Rabies immune globulin is used together with rabies vaccine to prevent infection caused by the rabies virus. It works by giving your body the antibodies it needs to protect it against the rabies virus. This is called passive protection. This passive protection lasts long enough to protect your body until it can produce its own antibodies against the rabies virus.

Rabies immune globulin is given to persons who have been exposed (eg, by a bite, scratch, or lick) to an animal that is known or thought to have rabies. This is called post-exposure prophylaxis. Rabies immune globulin is used only in persons who have never before received the rabies vaccine.

Rabies infection is serious and often fatal. In the U.S., rabies in wild animals, especially raccoons, skunks, and bats, accounts for the most cases of rabies passed on to humans, pets, and other domestic animals. In Canada, the animals most often infected with rabies are foxes, skunks, bats, dogs, and cats. Horses, swine, and cattle have also been known to become infected with rabies. In much of the rest of the world, including Latin America, Africa, and Asia, dogs account for the most cases of rabies passed on to humans.

If you are being (or will be) treated for a possible rabies infection while traveling outside of the U.S. or Canada, contact your doctor as soon as you return to the U.S. or Canada, since it may be necessary for you to have additional treatment.

This medicine is to be given only by or under the supervision of your doctor or other health care professional.