What is Brilinta (ticagrelor) used for?
Brilinta (ticagrelor) is used to stop new blood clots forming and therefore lower the risk of having a cardiovascular (CV) event or stroke. It is used for people that have medical conditions that increase their chance of a CV event or stroke.
Brilinta is specifically used for these medical conditions:
Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) or a History of Myocardial Infarction (MI):
- To lower the chance of CV death, MI and stroke
- To decrease the risk of a blood clot within a stent, if you have a stent placed for ACS.
Coronary Artery Disease but No Prior Stroke or Myocardial Infarction:
- To reduce the likelihood of having a MI or a stroke, if you are high risk of these due to coronary artery disease (CAD)
Acute Ischemic Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA):
- To lower the risk of a stroke if you have had an acute ischemic stroke that has a NIH score ≤5
- To reduce the chance of stroke if you are high risk for a transient ischemic attack
Should you take aspirin with Brilinta?
- Yes, in most cases Brilinta (ticagrelor) is prescribed with low dose aspirin (75mg to 100mg aspirin daily) to reduce the risk of a blood clot forming.
References
- Professional Medication information for Brilinta: https://www.drugs.com/pro/brilinta-tablets.html
Read next
How long do I have to take Brilinta after a stent or heart attack?
Brilinta is typically used for 6 to 12 months, or longer, after a stent or heart attack. Follow your doctor’s orders when taking Brilinta. It is given with low-dose aspirin to help prevent blood clots. If you stop taking Brilinta too soon, it can increase your risk of a heart attack, stroke or death. Continue reading
What foods should I eat or avoid when taking Brilinta?
Do not drink grapefruit juice while taking Brilinta (ticagrelor). Grapefruit juice can inhibit (block) one of the enzymes (3A4) needed to break down Brilinta for excretion from the body. Drinking grapefruit juice with Brilinta may increase the antiplatelet effect of your medicine and increase the risk for bleeding. Continue reading
Can you drink alcohol while taking Brilinta?
There is no reported drug-drug interaction in the manufacturer's product label between alcohol (ethanol) and Brilinta. However, as a precaution, you should avoid consumption of alcohol while taking Brilinta and aspirin. Drinking alcohol while you are taking aspirin can increase the risk of stomach ulcers or bleeding. Continue reading
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