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Key Takeaways

Key Takeaways

  • Ticagrelor is a tablet you swallow that is used to prevent complications from certain heart or blood vessel conditions. 
  • It works by keeping your platelets from sticking together, which reduces blood clot formation. 
  • Common side effects include bruising or bleeding more easily than usual. 
  • Serious side effects may include breathing problems, a slow heart beat, or severe bleeding.

Uses

What is ticagrelor used for?

Ticagrelor may be prescribed to you to prevent complications in any of the following situations.

  • You have had a heart attack
  • You have a condition called acute coronary syndrome (ACS), which includes a variety of conditions related to decreased blood flow to the heart
  • You have a stent, which is a small mesh tube that is inserted into a blood vessel to help keep it open
  • You have a condition called coronary artery disease (CAD) and have a high risk of a heart attack or stroke, such as also having type 2 diabetes
  • You're having a certain type of stroke called ischemic stroke, where a blood clot is blocking blood flow to a part of the brain
  • You're having a mini-stroke, also called a transient ischemic attack (TIA)

Ticagrelor may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does ticagrelor work?

Ticagrelor prevents platelets in your blood from sticking together. This helps prevent the formation of blood clots that can block the flow of blood to your heart and increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.

How is ticagrelor supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names.

  • Brilinta

Dosage forms and strengths.

  • 60 mg, 90 mg oral tablets

How should I store ticagrelor?

Ticagrelor should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place, in a tightly closed container.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of ticagrelor?

The most common side effects of ticagrelor are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Bruising and bleeding more easily, nose bleeds, taking longer than usual for bleeding to stop
  • Shortness of breath or other breathing problems

There may be other side effects of ticagrelor that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/medeffect-canada.html or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of ticagrelor?

While less common, the most serious side effects of ticagrelor are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Ticagrelor can cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking ticagrelor and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Severe Bleeding. Ticagrelor can increase your risk of severe bleeding that can lead to death. Some patients with serious bleeding may need a blood transfusion or surgery. Contact your health care provider right away if you have any of the following signs of severe bleeding while taking ticagrelor.

  • Pink, red, or brown urine (pee)
  • Vomit with blood that looks like coffee grounds
  • Red or black stools (looks like tar)
  • Coughing up blood or blood clots

Breathing problems. Ticagrelor may cause breathing problems including shortness of breath, sleep apnea, and irregular breathing patterns. Call your health care provider if you experience new or unexpected shortness of breath when resting, sleeping, or during physical activity or if you have changes in your breathing patterns when asleep or awake like fast or slow breathing or short pauses in your breathing.

Heart Rhythm Changes. Ticagrelor can cause a change in your heart rhythm that makes your heart beat slower than normal (bradycardia). Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of bradycardia. 

  • Feeling lightheaded, dizziness, or fainting
  • Confusion
  • Feeling weak or easily tired 
  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use ticagrelor?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take ticagrelor.

  • Ticagrelor
  • Brilinta
  • Any other medicine known as a P2Y12 platelet inhibitor
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in ticagrelor.

Bleeding Problems. Ticagrelor should not be used if you have ever had bleeding in your brain or if you are bleeding now.   

Severe Liver Problems. Ticagrelor should not be used if you have severe liver problems. If there is a concern about the health of your liver, your health care provider may do tests to determine if it is working well enough to take this medicine.

What should I know about ticagrelor before using it?

Do not take ticagrelor unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share ticagrelor with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep ticagrelor out of the reach of children.

If you have a stent, do not stop taking ticagrelor before talking to your health care provider. Stopping ticagrelor too soon can increase your risk of a blood clot, heart attack, or death. 

People who cannot swallow ticagrelor tablets can crush them, mix with water, and drink right away. Refill the glass with water, then stir it and drink all the water.

What should I tell my health care provider before using ticagrelor?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if ticagrelor is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Surgery. Tell your health care provider and dentist that you are taking ticagrelor before any planned surgeries or dental procedures. Your health care provider may tell you to stop taking ticagrelor before the procedure to decrease your risk of bleeding. Follow the instructions from your health care provider about when to stop ticagrelor and when you can start taking it again.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Bleeding problems 
  • Recent serious injury or surgery

Stomach ulcers or colon polyps

Other Medicines and Supplements. Ticagrelor may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking ticagrelor, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section below for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how ticagrelor could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is not recommended while you are taking ticagrelor. It is not known if ticagrelor passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will advise you if you should use ticagrelor while breastfeeding.

 

Interactions

Does ticagrelor interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between ticagrelor and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect ticagrelor, but both ticagrelor and alcohol can increase your risk of bleeding. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.

Does ticagrelor interact with other medicines?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using ticagrelor.

  • A medicine used for HIV or AIDS
  • A medicine for heart conditions or high blood pressure
  • A statin (lovastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin), which is a medicine used to decrease cholesterol levels
  • An opioid, which is a narcotic pain medicine
  • A medicine for a fungal infection
  • An antibiotic, which is a medicine used to treat infections caused by bacteria
  • A medicine to control seizures
  • A blood thinner, which is a medicine for blood clots
  • Digoxin (Lanoxin), which is a medicine used to treat irregular heartbeat and some types of heart failure

Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of ticagrelor, and vice versa. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much ticagrelor?

If you or someone else has used too much ticagrelor, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of ticagrelor?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.