Health Library

Ticagrelor (By mouth)

Ticagrelor (tye-KA-grel-or)

Helps prevent stroke, heart attack, and other heart problems. Also helps prevent first heart attack or stroke in patients with coronary artery disease, acute ischemic stroke, or high-risk transient ischemic attack. This medicine is an anti-platelet drug.

Brand Name(s):

Brilinta

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you. Take this medicine at the same time every day.
• Your doctor may tell you to take aspirin with this medicine. Do not change the dose or stop taking the aspirin without talking to your doctor first.
• If you cannot swallow the tablet whole:
  • You may crush the tablet and mix it in a glass of water. Drink it right away. Rinse the glass with more water and drink that too, so you get all the medicine.
  • You may give the tablet and water mixture through a nasogastric tube. Flush the tube with more water so you receive all the medicine.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
• Missed dose: Skip the missed dose and take your next dose as usual. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how ticagrelor works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Atazanavir, carbamazepine, clarithromycin, digoxin, indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, lovastatin, nefazodone, nelfinavir, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampin, ritonavir, saquinavir, simvastatin, telithromycin, or voriconazole
  • Blood thinner (including heparin)
  • Narcotic pain medicine (including morphine)

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, or if you have liver disease, heart rhythm problems, lung or breathing problems (including asthma or COPD), or a history of bleeding problems. Tell your doctor if you had a recent surgery.
• Do not breastfeed during treatment with this medicine.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Lung or breathing problems, including central sleep apnea, Cheyne-Stokes respiration
  • Heart rhythm problems, including a slow heartbeat
• This medicine may cause you to bleed and bruise more easily, and it may take longer than usual for bleeding to stop. Be careful to avoid injuries.
• Do not stop using this medicine unless your doctor tells you to. To stop it may increase your risk of a heart attack, blood clot, or other serious problem.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Bloody or black, tarry stools, red or dark brown urine
• Fast, slow, or pounding heartbeat
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
• Trouble breathing, chest pain
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
• Vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024