ticagrelor (Brilinta (ticagrelor))

Brand Names: Brilinta (ticagrelor)

Generic Name: ticagrelor

What is ticagrelor (Brilinta (ticagrelor))?

Ticagrelor prevents platelets in your blood from sticking together to form an unwanted blood clot that could block an artery.

Ticagrelor is used together with aspirin to lower your risk of having a stroke or serious heart problems after you've had a heart attack or severe chest pain (angina).

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

What are the possible side effects of ticagrelor (Brilinta (ticagrelor))?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • slow heartbeats;
  • nosebleeds, or any bleeding that will not stop;
  • shortness of breath even with mild exertion or while lying down;
  • easy bruising, unusual bleeding, purple or red spots under your skin;
  • red, pink, or brown urine;
  • black, bloody, or tarry stools; or
  • coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Common side effects may include:

  • bleeding; or
  • shortness of breath.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about ticagrelor (Brilinta (ticagrelor))?

You should not use ticagrelor if you have any active bleeding or a history of bleeding in the brain. Do not use this medicine just before heart bypass surgery.

Ticagrelor may cause you to bleed more easily, which can be severe or life-threatening. Call your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if you have bleeding that will not stop, black or bloody stools, red or pink urine, or if you cough up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using. Many drugs can interact with ticagrelor.

Do not stop taking ticagrelor without first talking to your doctor, even if you have signs of bleeding. Stopping ticagrelor may increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ticagrelor (Brilinta (ticagrelor))?

You should not use ticagrelor if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

  • any active bleeding; or
  • a history of bleeding in the brain (such as from a head injury).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

You should not breast-feed while using ticagrelor.

How should I take ticagrelor (Brilinta (ticagrelor))?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Ticagrelor is taken together with aspirin. Use these medicines exactly as directed.

Do not take more aspirin than your doctor has prescribed. Taking too much aspirin can make ticagrelor less effective.

Take ticagrelor at the same time each day, with or without food.

If you cannot swallow a tablet whole, crush the pill and mix it with water. Stir and drink this mixture right away. Add more water to the glass, stir, and drink right away.

Ticagrelor keeps your blood from coagulating (clotting) and can make it easier for you to bleed, even from a minor injury. Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if you have any bleeding that will not stop.

To prevent excessive bleeding, you may need to stop using ticagrelor for a short time before a surgery, medical procedure, or dental work. Any healthcare provider who treats you should know that you are taking ticagrelor.

Do not stop taking ticagrelor without first talking to your doctor, even if you have signs of bleeding. Stopping the medicine could increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

SLIDESHOW

Stroke Causes, Symptoms, and Recovery See Slideshow

What happens if I miss a dose (Brilinta (ticagrelor))?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose (Brilinta (ticagrelor))?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Overdose can cause excessive bleeding.

What should I avoid while taking ticagrelor (Brilinta (ticagrelor))?

Drinking alcohol while taking aspirin can increase your risk of stomach bleeding.

Avoid activities that may increase your risk of bleeding or injury. Use extra care to prevent bleeding while shaving or brushing your teeth.

While taking ticagrelor with aspirin, avoid using medicines for pain, fever, swelling, or cold/flu symptoms. They may contain ingredients similar to aspirin (such as salicylates, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen). Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much aspirin which can increase your risk of bleeding.

What other drugs will affect ticagrelor (Brilinta (ticagrelor))?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can affect ticagrelor, especially:

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect ticagrelor. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information (Brilinta (ticagrelor))?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about ticagrelor.


Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

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Reviewed on 10/12/2022

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