Don’t let the high cost of brand catheter-clearance fibrinolytic therapy disrupt your care. We help eligible patients access Cathflo Activase (alteplase) for as little as $69.95 per month through the manufacturer’s Patient Assistance Program.
The Cathflo Activase Prescription Assistance Program is a manufacturer-sponsored initiative that provides Cathflo at little or no medication cost to qualifying patients based on income and insurance status. The program is designed for patients with occluded central venous access who are uninsured or underinsured.
Navigating the program on your own means dealing with eligibility verification, oncology/infusion-center coordination, prior-authorization documentation, and renewal deadlines.
AffordMyPrescriptions eliminates that burden. For a flat $69.95 per month, our Patient Advocates handle every step of your enrollment, from initial application through coordination with the infusion center or oncology team that administers Cathflo.
| Pharmacy(With Coupon) | PrIce (30-Day)* | You Save W/ Us |
|---|---|---|
| Walgreens | ~$120/vial | Save ~$50/vial |
| CVS Pharmacy | ~$130/vial | Save ~$60/vial |
| Walmart | ~$95/vial | Save ~$25/vial |
| Costco | ~$92/vial | Save ~$22/vial |
Specialty Pharmacy | ~$100/vial | Save ~$30/vial |
*Just a heads-up — retail prices are estimates based on public data and vary by pharmacy. AffordMyPrescriptions Advocacy Service bypasses this by using drug manufacturer programs to secure your medication directly at no cost or retail price.
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The Patient Assistance Program is free to apply for and provides Cathflo Activase at no medication cost if approved. Our $69.95/month service covers full advocacy.
Complete a simple eligibility form so our team can determine if you may qualify for medication assistance programs.
Our specialists help gather documentation, complete applications, and coordinate with program providers.
Once approved, you may receive your medication through the assistance program while we help manage ongoing paperwork and renewals.
Many patients try discount cards first. Here’s why the Patient Assistance Program through AffordMyPrescriptions is the better long-term solution for Cathflo Activase:
Still $90–$130 per vial per month even with the best discount
Eligibility is generally determined by annual household income and insurance status. Most programs follow guidelines that include limits of up to $40,000 for individuals, $60,000 for couples, and $100,000 for larger families. Because requirements vary by program and household, we encourage you to contact AffordMyPrescriptions directly so we can review your specific situation and determine if you qualify for Cathflo Activase assistance.
Not sure if you qualify? Our pre-qualification check is completely free. If we can’t help, you won’t be charged.
Cathflo Activase (alteplase 2 mg vial) is recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) used to dissolve fibrin clots that have occluded central venous access devices (CVADs) — including PICCs, ports, tunneled central lines, and dialysis catheters. Restoring catheter function avoids the need for catheter exchange, which is invasive and carries its own risks.
How Cathflo ActivaseWorks:
Central venous access devices, crucial for treatments like chemotherapy, can become blocked by fibrin sheaths or clots. When simple mechanical maneuvers fail to clear the blockage, thrombolytic medication is required. Alteplase (Cathflo Activase) is a recombinant tissue plasminogen activator that specifically binds to fibrin and activates plasminogen into plasmin. This chemical process effectively dissolves the clot and restores catheter function.
Form and use:
Cathflo Activase is administered by instilling a 2 mg dose (typically dissolved in 2 mL or the catheter’s internal volume) directly into the blocked lumen. The medication is left to dwell inside the catheter for 30 minutes to 2 hours before an aspiration attempt is made. If patency is successfully restored, the remaining drug is withdrawn and the line is flushed. If the first attempt fails, a second identical dose can be instilled, up to a maximum total dose of 4 mg.
Generic availability:
As of 2026, there is no biosimilar version of Cathflo Activase available in the United States. Alteplase remains the sole FDA-approved thrombolytic medication specifically designated for clearing occluded catheters. Other tissue plasminogen activators, such as tenecteplase and reteplase, do not hold FDA approval for this specific use. If Cathflo treatment fails altogether, alternative options include catheter exchange, mechanical clot disruption, or specialized bedside manual techniques.
Warnings:
While generally well-tolerated, Cathflo Activase carries a low risk of bleeding, requiring caution in patients with bleeding disorders, active bleeding, or recent surgeries. Proper aseptic technique must be strictly followed during administration to minimize the risk of infection. Additionally, healthcare providers must avoid forceful injection or aspiration to prevent catheter damage. There is also a rare risk of venous thromboembolism if a clot becomes dislodged during the process.
Tivicay costs approximately $2,200–$2,500 per 30-day supply. Through AffordMyPrescriptions, qualifying patients receive Tivicay at no medication cost — our $69.95 monthly fee covers full advocacy and program management.
Your nurse instills a small volume (typically 2 mL) of dissolved alteplase into the occluded catheter lumen. The medication dwells in the catheter for 30 min to 2 hours, during which time it dissolves the fibrin clot blocking the catheter. The nurse then tries to aspirate — if the catheter is now patent, blood draws back and the medication (plus dissolved clot debris) is withdrawn. If still occluded, a second dose can be tried.
If two doses of Cathflo don’t restore catheter function, additional interventions may include: contrast study to evaluate the catheter (fibrin sheath vs intraluminal thrombus vs mechanical issue), catheter exchange over a guidewire, or placement of a new catheter. Some persistent occlusions are related to non-thrombotic causes (catheter kinking, mechanical obstruction) that thrombolytics won’t address.
Generally low with the small intraluminal dose of Cathflo. The 2 mg dose is far smaller than systemic thrombolytic doses for stroke/MI. However, in patients with active bleeding, recent surgery, severe bleeding disorders, or recent major trauma, even the small intraluminal dose carries some theoretical risk. Tell your nurse if you have these risk factors.
Most catheter occlusions are resolved with 1–2 doses of Cathflo. Some require additional approaches (catheter study, exchange). Repeated clearance attempts within a short period have not been studied — if a catheter repeatedly clots, further evaluation is needed.
Most patients on routine anticoagulation (warfarin, DOACs, prophylactic heparin) can receive Cathflo for catheter clearance — the intraluminal dose is small. Patients on therapeutic doses for active VTE, post-MI, or atrial fibrillation should discuss with their care team. Severe coagulopathy may be a contraindication.
If denied, we explore alternatives — many hospitals and infusion centers stock Cathflo and may absorb the cost; some institutions have charity programs; the manufacturer’s copay program for commercially insured patients; or alternative approaches like catheter exchange. If we cannot find a path, you won’t be charged our service fee.
If you are struggling with the high cost of Cathflo Activase, our team may be able to help you access assistance programs for catheter-clearance thrombolytic therapy. Check your eligibility today.
Start free by filling out a simple online form.
Our specialist will contact you for a quick welcome call.
Our team handles everything, so you can focus on your health.