This information from Lexicomp® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.
Brand Names: US
Brilinta
Brand Names: Canada
AG-Ticagrelor; APO-Ticagrelor; Brilinta; JAMP-Ticagrelor; M-Ticagrelor; TARO-Ticagrelor
- This drug may cause very bad and sometimes deadly bleeding. Do not use if you are having any bleeding problems (including bleeding ulcer) or if you have ever had bleeding in the brain. Do not stop taking this drug without talking to your doctor. Stopping this drug when you are not supposed to may raise the chance of heart attack, stroke, and death. Use as you have been told.
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists. This drug may need to be stopped before certain types of surgery as your doctor has told you. If this drug is stopped, your doctor will tell you when to start taking this drug again after your surgery or procedure.
What is this drug used for?
- It is used to lower the chance of heart attack, stroke, and death in some people.
- It is used to lower the chance of blockage of a stent after a stent is placed in the heart.
- It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take this drug?
- If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
- If you have liver disease.
- If you take any drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) that must not be taken with this drug, like certain drugs that are used for HIV, infections, seizures, and others. There are many drugs that must not be taken with this drug.
- If you are breast-feeding. Do not breast-feed while you take this drug.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take this drug?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Most of the time, this drug is taken with aspirin. Be sure you know what dose of aspirin to take. Do not take more than 100 mg of aspirin a day with this drug unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Tell your doctor if you take other drugs that have aspirin in them. If you have questions, talk with your doctor.
- You may bleed more easily. Be careful and avoid injury. Use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor.
- If you fall or hurt yourself, or if you hit your head, call your doctor right away. Talk with your doctor even if you feel fine.
- This drug may affect certain lab tests. Tell all of your health care providers and lab workers that you take this drug.
- Some drugs may look the same as this drug or may have names that sound like this drug. Always check to make sure you have the right product. If you see any change in the way this drug looks like shape, color, size, or wording, check with your pharmacist.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this drug while you are pregnant.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Signs of bleeding like throwing up or coughing up blood; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; blood in the urine; black, red, or tarry stools; bleeding from the gums; abnormal vaginal bleeding; bruises without a cause or that get bigger; or bleeding you cannot stop.
- Weakness on 1 side of the body, trouble speaking or thinking, change in balance, drooping on one side of the face, or blurred eyesight.
- Severe headache.
- Shortness of breath.
- Slow heartbeat.
- A heartbeat that does not feel normal.
- Some people taking this drug have had abnormal breathing when asleep (sleep apnea) or awake. This includes faster breathing, slower breathing, or short pauses in breathing. If you have sleep apnea or other breathing problems, talk with your doctor. Call your doctor right away if you have new or worse snoring or sleep problems, are sleepy during the day, or have any breathing problems while taking this drug.
- Rarely, a severe blood problem called thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) has happened with this drug. This can happen within less than 2 weeks of starting this drug. Call your doctor right away if you feel confused, very tired, or very weak, or if you have weakness on 1 side of the body, trouble speaking or thinking, change in balance, drooping on one side of the face, or change in eyesight. Call your doctor right away if you have a fast heartbeat; fever; headache; pale skin; less urine passed or urine that is pink or has blood in it; purple spots on the skin or mouth; seizures; severe diarrhea, stomach pain, upset stomach, or throwing up; shortness of breath; or yellow skin or eyes.
What are some other side effects of this drug?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to your national health agency.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
How is this drug best taken?
Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- Take this drug at the same time of day.
- Take with or without food.
- If you cannot swallow the tablet whole, the tablet can be crushed and mixed with water. Drink right away after mixing. Refill the glass with water, stir, and drink.
- Those who have feeding tubes may use the tablet. Crush the tablet and mix it with water. Flush the feeding tube after this drug is given.
- Keep taking this drug as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
- Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
How do I store and/or throw out this drug?
- Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
General drug facts
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else’s drugs.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- This drug comes with an extra patient fact sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it with care. Read it again each time this drug is refilled. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with the doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.
Last Reviewed Date
2024-05-22
Copyright
© 2024 UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved.