What is Ticagrelor?
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, ticagrelor will help you stop them. Ticagrelor is a prescription-only medicine. It comes in the shape of an oral tablet. Ticagrelor is available as the brand-name drug called Brilinta. It can also be obtained as a generic drug. Ticagrelor can be used as part of a multi-drug procedure. As a consequence, you may need to take it in combination with other drugs.
Ticagrelor Uses
In patients who have suffered a heart attack or who have acute coronary syndrome, ticagrelor is used to avoid a serious or life-threatening heart attack or stroke, as well as death (ACS; blockage of blood flow to the heart). It's also used to avoid blood clots in people who've had coronary stents to treat ACS. Ticagrelor is a drug that is used to minimise the risk of a first-time heart attack or stroke in people who have coronary artery disease (CAD; reduced blood flow to the heart). It's 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. 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.
Ticagrelor Side Effects:
Some of the common side effects of Ticagrelor are:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Bleeding more easily than normal
- Increased level of uric acid in the body
Some of the common side effects of Ticagrelor are:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
Ticagrelor can cause some serious side effects. Avoid using the medicine if you feel any adverse effects and contact with your doctor immediately. The doctor might change the prescribed dose or medicines looking at your side effects.
Precautions
Before taking Ticagrelor talk with your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medications. The product may contain some inactive ingredients which can cause some serious allergic reactions or some other serious problems. Before using Ticagrelor talk with your doctor if you are having any medical history such as: bleeding problems, bleeding in the brain, hemophilia, ulcers, gout, liver disease, trauma and heart rhythm problems.
How to take 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 Ticagrelor at around the same time every day. Ticagrelor should be taken exactly as prescribed. Do not take more or less of it, or take it more often 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. Even if you feel good, keep taking ticagrelor. Do not quit taking ticagrelor without first consulting your physician. There is a greater possibility of getting a heart attack or stroke if you avoid taking ticagrelor.
Dosage of Ticagrelor
Generic:Ticagrelor
- Form:oral tablet
- Strengths:60 mg, 90 mg
Brand:Brilinta
- Form:oral tablet
- Strengths:60 mg, 90 mg
Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older):
Dosage for acute coronary syndrome
Generic:Ticagrelor
- Form:oral tablet
- Strengths:60 mg, 90 mg
Brand:Brilinta
- Form:oral tablet
- Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older):First dose for the first day should be 180 mg. From next day the dosage should be divided into 2 parts i.e. 90 mg twice a day.
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.
Warnings for some serious health conditions
For people with a history of 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.
For people with active bleeding:
This medication should not be used if you have active bleeding, such as a stomach ulcer. It's likely that it'll make you bleed even more.
For people with plans to have surgery:
Before getting any surgery or dental operation, tell your doctor or dentist that you're taking ticagrelor. 5 days before your surgery, your doctor can advise you to stop taking ticagrelor. This will reduce the chances of bleeding during surgery or a treatment. Your doctor can inform you when you should begin taking this medicine, which should be as soon as possible after surgery.
Pregnant Women:
Ticagrelor is not approved for use during pregnancy. However, if you're trying to conceive, consult with your doctor, who will be able to prescribe a prescription that is more appropriate for you.
Breastfeeding:
Before taking ticagrelor, consult your doctor if you are 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.
Storage
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. The exposure of medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach. Mainly the drug should be kept 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.2015.02.049Effect of ticagrelor-related dyspnea on compliance with therapy in acute coronary syndrome patients, ID:10.1016/j.ijcard.2014.02.028