Indications
- Ticagrelor is used in combination with low-dose aspirin to prevent heart attack and stroke in individuals with a history of heart disease, stroke, or an elevated risk of such events (e.g., due to diabetes or a history of transient ischemic attack-TIA).
- It may also be prescribed to prevent blood clots after specific heart surgeries, like stent placement.
- Ticagrelor functions as an antiplatelet drug, blocking platelets from sticking together and preventing the formation of harmful clots.
- Its action helps maintain smooth blood flow in the body.
Dosage and administration
- Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before starting ticagrelor and with each refill. Direct any questions to your doctor or pharmacist.
- Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually twice daily, as directed by your doctor. The dosage and duration depend on your medical condition and response to treatment.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking low-dose aspirin (usually 75-100 milligrams) once a day. Refer to the Warning section.
- If swallowing ticagrelor is difficult, you can crush the tablet, mix it with water in a glass, drink the mixture immediately, refill the glass with water, stir, and drink to ensure you take the full dose.
- Take the medication regularly at the same times each day to maximize its benefits.
- Do not increase the dose or use the drug more frequently or for a longer duration than prescribed. Doing so will not improve your condition faster and may increase the risk of side effects.
- Continue taking the medication even if you feel well. Consult your doctor before discontinuing it, as stopping early may elevate the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Side effects
- Shortness of breath, headache, dizziness, nausea, and nosebleed may occur. Inform your doctor or pharmacist promptly if these effects persist or worsen.
- The medication is prescribed because your doctor believes the benefits outweigh the risks. Serious side effects are uncommon.
- Although rare, serious bleeding may occur. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience easy bruising/bleeding, severe or uncontrollable bleeding, bloody/black stools, vomit with blood or coffee ground appearance, or bloody/red/pink/dark urine.
- Notify your doctor promptly if you experience interrupted breathing during sleep.
- Seek immediate medical attention for very serious side effects, including fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, fainting, confusion, trouble speaking, vision changes, and signs of a blood clotting problem (such as red/purple pinpoint-sized spots on the skin, fever).
- A severe allergic reaction is rare but requires immediate medical help. Symptoms include rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, and difficulty breathing.
- This list is not exhaustive; contact your doctor or pharmacist for other unlisted effects.
Precautions
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies to ticagrelor or inactive ingredients in the product.
- Share your medical history, especially if you have bleeding problems, gout, liver disease, recent surgery, serious injury/trauma, or heart rhythm issues.
- Ticagrelor may cause dizziness; avoid activities requiring alertness. Limit alcohol and marijuana (cannabis) use.
- This medication can lead to stomach bleeding. Drinking alcohol daily while using ticagrelor may increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
- Use caution with sharp objects and avoid activities like contact sports to minimize the risk of cuts, bruises, or injuries.
- Before surgery or dental procedures, inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking. They may advise temporarily stopping ticagrelor.
- Discuss the use of ticagrelor during pregnancy with your doctor, considering the risks and benefits.
- It’s uncertain whether this drug passes into breast milk; consult your doctor before breastfeeding.