What is Ticagrelor?
Ticagrelor is used to enhance blood flow, reducing the risk of life-threatening blood clots. It is a prescription-only blood thinner and antiplatelet medication, available both as a brand-name and generic drug. Administered in oral tablet form, If you're at a higher risk of blood clots, ticagrelor can be crucial in prevention.
Ticagrelor is marketed under the brand name Brilinta. This drug is often prescribed as part of a multi-drug regimen, alongside other medications, to maximize effectiveness. Whether it's the branded version or its generic alternative, ticagrelor plays a vital role in maintaining cardiovascular health.
What are the Ticagrelor Uses?
Ticagrelor belongs to a class of drugs known as antiplatelet agents. It is used to avoid a serious or life-threatening heart attack or stroke and acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Also, used to minimise the risk of a first-time heart attack or stroke in people who have coronary artery disease (CAD).
Ticagrelor is also used to help people who are experiencing a mild to moderate stroke or a transient ischemic attack minimise their odds of having another more severe stroke. It works by stopping platelets (a form of blood cell) from clumping together and causing a heart attack or stroke.
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Get A Second OpinionWhat are the Side Effects of Ticagrelor?
Some of the common side effects of Ticagrelor are;
- Dizziness
- Bleeding more easily than normal
- Increased level of uric acid in the body
- Headache
- Nausea & Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
Ticagrelor can cause some serious side effects. Avoid using the medicine if you feel any adverse effects and contact your doctor immediately. The doctor might change the prescribed dose or medicines looking at your side effects.
Precautions to be Taken Before Using Ticagrelor
Talk with your doctor if you are allergic to Ticagrelor or any other medications. The product may contain some inactive ingredients which can cause some serious allergic reactions and problems.
Before using Ticagrelor talk with your doctor if you have any medical history such as;
- Bleeding problems
- Bleeding in the brain
- Hemophilia
- Ulcers
- Gout
- Liver disease
- Trauma
- Heart rhythm problems
How to Use Ticagrelor?
- Ticagrelor comes in the form of a tablet which should be taken by mouth.
- The medication is usually taken with or without food two times a day.
- Take it around the same time every day as prescribed.
- Don't take more or less of it than your doctor has prescribed.
- If you can't swallow ticagrelor tablets whole, smash them and mix them with water. Drink the mixture right away, then refill the glass with water, stir, and drink it right away again.
- Your doctor or pharmacist will clarify how to prepare ticagrelor to be given through an NG tube if you have one.
Ticagrelor can only help you avoid severe heart and blood vessel issues if you take it daily. Do not quit taking it without first consulting your physician. There is a greater possibility of getting a heart attack or stroke if you avoid taking ticagrelor.
What is the Dosage of Ticagrelor (Brand & Generic)?
Dosage for acute coronary syndrome (ACS)
Generic: Ticagrelor
Brand: Brilinta
- Form: Oral tablet
- Strengths: 60 mg, 90 mg
Adult dosage
- Dosage for acute coronary syndrome
Generic: Ticagrelor
- Form: Oral tablet
- Strengths: 60 mg, 90 mg
Brand: Brilinta
- Form: Oral tablet
- Adult dosage: First-day dose should be 180 mg. From the next day, the dosage should be divided into 2 parts i.e. 90 mg.
Missed Dose
If you forget to take a dose, do so as soon as you recall. If the next dose is coming, skip the skipped dose. Take the next dose at the same time every day. To catch up, do not double the dose.
Overdose
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Ticagrelor tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Ticagrelor Usage Warnings for Some Health Conditions
- Intracranial hemorrhage: If you've ever had bleeding inside your skull, you shouldn't take this medicine. Ticagrelor increases the likelihood of another intracranial haemorrhage.
- Active bleeding: Ticagrelor should not be used if you have active bleeding, such as a stomach ulcer. It'll likely make you bleed even more.
- Plans to have surgery: Before getting any surgery or dental operation, tell your doctor or dentist that you're taking Ticagrelor. The doctor will advise you when to stop and when to restart using this medicine after surgery.
- Pregnant Women: Ticagrelor is not approved for use during pregnancy. Consult a doctor, who will be able to prescribe a prescription that is more appropriate for you.
- Breastfeeding: Your doctor will be able to discuss the advantages and drawbacks of taking ticagrelor when breastfeeding, as well as the best care choice for you and your baby.
How to Store Ticagrelor Tablets?
- Avoid direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines.
- The exposure of medicine to heat may cause some harmful effects.
- Kept it in a safe place and out of children’s reach.
- Store at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Ticagrelor Vs Clopidogrel
| Ticagrelor | Clopidogrel |
|---|---|
| Ticagrelor belongs to a class of drugs known as antiplatelet agents. It works by stopping platelets (a form of blood cell) from clumping together and causing a heart attack or stroke. | Clopidogrel belongs to a class of drugs known as antiplatelet agents. It works by stopping platelets (a form of blood cell) from clumping together and causing a heart attack or stroke. |
| Ticagrelor is a blood thinner and antiplatelet drug. It increases the flow of blood into your veins. This means the blood is less likely to develop a potentially lethal blood clot. | Clopidogrel is a blood thinner that is used alone or in combination with aspirin to avoid serious or life-threatening heart and blood vessel complications in people who have suffered a stroke, a heart attack, or extreme chest pain. |
Some of the common side effects of Ticagrelor are:
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Some of the common side effects are:
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Citations
Contemporary Use of Ticagrelor in Interventional Practice (from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Cardiovascular Consortium), ID:/10.1016/j.amjcard.2015.02.049 Effect of ticagrelor-related dyspnea on compliance with therapy in acute coronary syndrome patients, ID:10.1016/j.ijcard.2014.02.028Ready to take control of your health journey? Book your appointment now and start your path towards wellness today!
Book an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
Ticagrelor is a blood thinner and antiplatelet drug. It increases the flow of blood into your veins. This means the blood is less likely to develop a potentially lethal blood clot. If you have a higher risk of blood clots, taking ticagrelor will help you stop them.
Ticagrelor 90 mg works as a blood thinner and antiplatelet drug. It increases the flow of blood into your veins. This means the blood is less likely to develop a potentially lethal blood clot.
Ticagrelor can be used typically for 6 to 12 months or longer. The medication is prescribed after a stent or heart attack. This is given with low-dose aspirin to help prevent blood clots.
Ticagrelor is an antiplatelet prescription tablet taken twice a day, in the morning and evening. It's a P2Y12 inhibitor, which means it makes platelets less sticky and helps prevent blood clots from forming.
Some of the common side effects of Ticagrelor are:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Bleeding more easily than normal
- Increased level of uric acid in the body
