The trial utilised rigorous entry criteria to carefully select patients for treatment, including the requirements that initiation of treatment occur within three hours of symptom onset and a brain CT scan be conducted to rule out hemorrhage. Not all patients with acute ischemic stroke will meet the eligibility criteria for Activase therapy. As with most drugs, benefits will vary among patients receiving Activase. The most common side effect from this therapy was symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage or bleeding. There was an incidence of intracerebral hemorrhage of 6.4 percent within 36 hours of treatment among the Activase-treated population as compared to 0.6 percent in the placebo group.
Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability in Canada and the fourth-leading cause of death.
For every four Canadians who suffer a stroke, one will die, and two of three will survive with some degree of chronic disability. Any question regarding a medical diagnosis, treatment, referral, drug availability or pricing should be directed to either a licensed physician or to the product's manufacturer.