Brilinta

Common use

Brilinta is used to lower your risk of heart attack, stroke, or death due to a blocked artery or a prior heart attack. Brilinta is also used to lower your risk of blood clots if you have coronary artery disease (decreased blood flow to the heart) and have been treated with stents to open clogged arteries. Brilinta is also used to lower your risk of a first heart attack or stroke if you have decreased blood flow to the heart. Brilinta prevents platelets in your blood from sticking together to form an unwanted blood clot that could block an artery.

Dosage and direction

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Brilinta is taken together with aspirin. Do not take more aspirin than your doctor has prescribed. Taking too much aspirin can make Brilinta less effective.
Take this medicine at the same time each day, with or without food. If you cannot swallow a tablet whole, crush the pill and mix it with water. Stir and drink this mixture right away. Add more water to the glass, stir, and drink right away.

Precautions

Tell your doctor if you have ever had: a stroke; heart problems; high cholesterol; bleeding problems; a stomach ulcer or colon polyps; liver disease; or kidney disease; asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder) or other breathing problems; recent surgery or serious injuries; or if you are planning to have surgery or a dental procedure.
It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether Brilinta passes into breastmilk. Talk to your doctor before using Brilinta if you are breastfeeding.

Contraindications

You should not use Brilinta if you are allergic to ticagrelor, or if you have: any active bleeding (including a bleeding stomach ulcer); or a history of bleeding in the brain (such as from a head injury).
Brilinta may cause you to bleed more easily, which can be severe or life-threatening. Avoid activities that may increase your risk of bleeding or injury.

Possible side effect

Common Brilinta side effects may include: bleeding; or shortness of breath.

Drug interaction

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can interact with Brilinta, especially: antifungal medicine (including ketoconazole, itraconozole, voriconazole, and others); antibiotic medication (including clarithromycin); antiviral medicine to treat HIV or AIDS; other blood thinners; cholesterol medication (including simvastatin or lovastatin); heart or blood pressure medication; opioid medication; seizure medicine; or tuberculosis medicine (especially rifampin).

Missed dose

Skip the missed dose and use your next dose at the regular time. Do not use two doses at one time.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention. Overdose can cause excessive bleeding.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep away from children and pets.