What is Brilinta used for?

Brilinta, with the generic name ticagrelor, is a blood thinner that prevents blood clots from forming and blocking arteries. This drug is recommended for individuals who have coronary artery disease (CAD) and have had a history of acute ischemic stroke or heart attack. Also, it is given as a preventive measure to reduce risk and avoid myocardial infarction, stroke, and death.

How does it work? 

Platelets are the ones responsible for clot formation. Also, it helps counteract and stop the bleeding as a normal physiologic response. However, when clots are formed in your blood vessels (arteries, veins, capillaries), it can be life-threatening because they can block and decrease blood flow which can cause heart attack, stroke, or even death. 

When this drug is taken correctly, it inhibits platelets from clumping together, thereby keeping them from forming harmful clots. As a result, this drug lowers your risk of experiencing myocardial infarction and stroke.

Dosage of Brilinta 

Individuals require varying amounts of Brilinta dose. This medicine is available in different oral strengths, depending on your need, age, weight, and tolerance: 60 mg and 90 mg per tablet. 

For individuals who have a history of myocardial infarction or heart attack, the recommended loading dose is 180 mg by administering a Brilinta 90 mg tablet two times per day. After one year, this drug can be decreased to a 60 mg tablet twice daily. 

Similarly, for patients who have an acute ischemic stroke, the initial starting dose is 180 mg. After that, you must take a 90 mg tablet twice a day for 30 days. 

On the other hand, for patients who have CAD, the suggested daily dose is 60 mg two times a day. 

All of these medications can be utilized together with a low-dose aspirin of 75 mg to 100 mg as a maintenance dose. Bear in mind not to exceed your prescribed dosage and frequency.

How to use Brilinta 

Read all drug guidelines and information thoroughly. Use the drug exactly as directed. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about using this medication. 

Take this drug orally at the same time every day to avoid missing a dose. You can take it with or without regard to food. If unable to swallow the entire pill, a pharmacist can mix and change it into a liquid suspension and drink it immediately. The dosage remains the same as in tablet form.  

Take it regularly to avoid missing a dose, and making a note in your calendar may help you remember not to forget a pill. If you forgot to take your medication, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. 

If the treatment did not work as well as you had hoped or did not improve your condition, you should see and call your doctor.

Brilinta Side Effects 

The following are the common side effects of this drug that may resolve with time without medical intervention: 

• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Headache
• Easy bruising or bleeding 

If any of these side effects worsen over time or if you experience any of the following adverse reactions, contact your doctor immediately: 

• Chest pain 
• Fainting 
• Unusual or severe bleeding 
• Changes in urine color (red, pink, or brown) 
• Black tarry stool
• Vomiting of coughing up blood
• Frequent nose bleed
• Breathing problems (shortness of breath at rest, irregular breathing pattern)
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Sleep apnea
• Confusion
• Vision changes
• Speaking problems 

Bear in mind that this is not all the list of the potential health concerns linked with this medication.

Brilinta vs Plavix 

Both drugs are blood thinners used to prevent stroke and heart attack. However, Brilinta contains ticagrelor, while Plavix has an active ingredient of clopidogrel. In terms of frequency, the former is taken two times a day, while the latter is given once daily.

Precautions 

If you have had a history of stroke or recent surgery, or have a medical condition like gout, ulcers, bleeding or heart problems, inform your doctor to prevent aggravating your health condition. 

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to ticagrelor or other ingredients. Keep an eye out for any allergic reactions such as rashes, hives, swelling of the face and lips, throat tightness, or difficulty breathing when taking this drug. You should seek medical assistance as soon as these signs and symptoms develop. 

If you take HIV-AIDS medicines, lipid-lowering agents, other blood thinner drugs, etc., inform your doctor to avoid drug interactions. 

This drug can cause you to be easily bruised or bleed, so avoid contact sports and using sharp objects. 

Use caution when taking this medication with aspirin. Aspirin should not exceed the dose of more than 100 mg per tablet to avoid unusual bleeding. 

Keep this medication out of the reach of children at all times and store it at room temperature.

How much does Brilinta cost? 

Brilinta prices vary depending on the dosage provided to you. Our medicine is available for purchase on this web platform for your convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can I shave while taking Brilinta? 

Shaving and brushing teeth should be done with extra caution while on Brilinta therapy to avoid getting cut, bruised, or bleeding.

Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Brilinta? 

Drinking alcohol is discouraged while on Brilinta treatment to avoid unwanted side effects.

Can I stop taking Brilinta when I feel better? 

Do not abruptly stop using Brilinta without consulting your primary care provider first. Doing so can put you in danger of a heart attack, stroke, or death.

What foods to avoid while taking Brilinta blood thinner? 

While on blood thinner therapy, foods high in Vitamin K should be avoided, such as asparagus, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cauliflower, green onions, kale, parsley, and spinach. Also, do not take grapefruit because it can reduce the efficiency of the medicine and raise the chance of adverse effects like bleeding.