What is Brilinta: Uses, Warnings & Interactions
Brilinta is a brand-name prescription drug that prevents blood clots in people with serious medical conditions. The active ingredient, ticagrelor, prevents blood platelet cells from clumping together to form a blood clot. People prescribed Brilinta will take two doses daily along with daily aspirin doses. As with all medications, the most common and potentially hazardous side effect is bleeding. People taking Brilinta should immediately contact a doctor if they experience unexplained or prolonged bleeding.
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Brilinta overview
BRAND NAMES:
Brilinta
Generic Names:
Ticagrelor
Uses:
Helps prevent stroke, heart attack, and other heart problems in patients with a recent heart attack, blood flow blockage to the heart, stroke, or coronary artery disease.
Therapeutic Classes:
Antiplatelet agent, platelet aggregation inhibitor
Forms:
Tablet
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What is Brilinta used for?
Brilinta prevents blood clots in people who have recently experienced a heart attack, blood flow blockage to the heart, or stroke. Healthcare professionals also use it in people who are at risk of a heart attack or stroke because of coronary artery disease.
What form(s) does Brilinta come in
Tablet
60 mg
90 mg
What are common Brilinta doses?
For acute coronary syndrome (blood flow blockage to the heart) or a history of heart attack: 90 mg taken orally twice per day with 75–100 mg aspirin taken daily for one year; then 60 mg taken orally twice per day with 75–100 mg aspirin taken daily
For coronary artery disease: 60 mg taken orally twice per day with 75–100 mg aspirin taken daily
For acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic stroke (TIA): 90 mg taken orally twice per day with 75–100 mg aspirin taken daily for up to 30 days
Find more detailed information about Brilinta dosage, forms, and strengths here.
Common Brilinta prescriptions
Brilinta
14 tablets bottleBrilinta
8 tablets bottleBrilinta
60mg tabletBrilinta
90mg tablet
How to take Brilinta
Take this medicine as directed.
Please read the Medication Guide that comes with this medicine.
Take two Brilinta doses daily at the same time every day.
The doctor may prescribe daily doses of aspirin. Take these doses as prescribed.
Brilinta tablets can be taken with or without food.
Swallow the Brilinta tablet whole.
If the tablet cannot be swallowed, it can be crushed and mixed with water. Drink the mixture immediately. Refill the glass with water and drink all the water.
Brilinta can be administered through a nasogastric tube. The instructions are provided by a healthcare provider. They are not included with the medicine.
Store Brilinta at room temperature out of the reach of children.
What to do if you miss a dose of Brilinta
If a Brilinta dose is missed, don’t take it. Take the next dose at its scheduled time.
Never take an extra dose to make up for a missed dose.
Brilinta contraindications
This medicine is not right for everyone.
Do not use it if you have:
Active bleeding
Bleeding in the brain
Known allergies to ticagrelor
Brilinta warnings
Brilinta is prescribed for severe conditions and prevents severe problems. Regular doctor’s visits and lab tests are required. Keep all appointments.
Tell any doctor, dentist, or other healthcare professional who treats you that you are using this medicine, particularly before any medical or dental procedure. Brilinta may need to be stopped several days before surgery or other procedures.
The most important warning to know is that Brilinta increases the risk of bleeding and bruising. People taking Brilinta bruise and bleed more easily, and it could take longer for bleeding to stop.
People on Brilinta therapy should contact a doctor if they experience unexplained or persistent bleeding or notice any signs of internal bleeding.
People taking Brilinta should take special precautions to avoid injury.
Before starting Brilinta, inform the prescriber if you are pregnant or if you have:
Liver disease
Irregular heartbeats
Lung or breathing problems (including asthma or COPD)
A history of bleeding problems
A history of stomach ulcers or colon polyps
Also tell the doctor if you’ve recently had surgery or a significant injury.
Always tell the prescriber about any planned surgeries or procedures.
Besides bleeding, Brilinta can cause other significant problems including:
Heart rhythm abnormalities
Slow heart rate
Do not stop taking Brilinta unless instructed to do so. Stopping this drug may increase the risk of a blood clot, heart attack, or stroke.
Breastfeeding is not recommended for women taking Brilinta.
Brilinta interactions
To avoid possible drug interactions, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you use before starting Brilinta, particularly:
Other blood thinners
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Opioids
Statins
Atazanavir, carbamazepine, clarithromycin, digoxin, indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, nefazodone, nelfinavir, Paxlovid, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampin, ritonavir, saquinavir, telithromycin, verapamil, voriconazole
Tell other healthcare providers you are using this medicine before they prescribe new medications.
Brilinta side effects
Serious side effects
Talk to a doctor if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect, including:
Unusual bleeding or bruising
Severe bleeding
Bleeding that doesn’t stop
Bloody or black, tarry stools
Pink, red, or brown urine
Vomiting up blood or blood clots that look like coffee grounds
Weakness, lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
Shortness of breath, irregular breathing
Fast, slow, or irregular heartbeats
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Find more information about Brilinta side effects here.
Sources:
Brilinta drug summary, Prescriber’s Digital Reference (PDR)
Brilinta ticagrelor tablet prescribing information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)
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