What Is Ticagrelor?
Ticagrelor helps to reduce the risk of a heart attack, stroke, or even death as a result of the blockage of an artery or a previous heart attack.
Ticagrelor can also be used to reduce the risk of developing blood clots in the event that you suffer from a coronary arterial condition (decreased circulation of blood to your heart) and are treated with stents to unblock arteries blocked by clogs.Ticagrelor may also reduce the risk of having your first stroke or heart attack if you suffer from a decreased flow of blood into the heart.
Ticagrelor can also be used to reduce the risk of dying from stroke or death in adults who have blocked blood flow in an artery that delivers oxygen to the brain.Ticagrelor is typically prescribed with low-dose aspirin. Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions. In excess of aspirin, it can cause ticagrelor to become less effective.Ticagrelor is also used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.
Side effects of Ticagrelor
See a doctor immediately. Get medical attention immediately if you notice symptoms that indicate an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of your lips, face, and tongue.
Ticagrelor could cause serious adverse side effects. Consult your physician right away. If you suffer from:
- Heartbeats that are slow
- Nosebleeds as well as any bleeding that does not stop;
- Breath shortness even after a moderate amount of exertion or lying down.
- Easily bleeding, the unusual appearance of red or purple spots beneath your skin
- Pink, red or brown urine;
- Bloody, black, or tarry stools
- Vomiting blood or vomiting that is similar to the coffee grounds.
Common side effects of ticagrelor include:
- Bleeding
- Breathlessness.
This is not a comprehensive list of all the side effects. Others could happen. Contact your doctor for advice regarding medical effects. You can report any symptoms to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Do not take ticagrelor if there is bleeding in the brain or if you have a history of bleeding in the brain. Don't use ticagrelor for a short time prior to the heart bypass surgery.
Ticagrelor can cause bleeding to occur more frequently, and this can be serious or even life-threatening. Call your doctor or seek medical attention in an emergency in the event of bleeding that doesn't stop, bloody or black stool, red or pink urine, or coughing out urine or blood that appears similar to coffee grinds.
Discuss with your doctor the medicines you are currently taking as well as any new medications you decide to start or stop taking. A variety of drugs may be incompatible with ticagrelor.
Don't stop taking the medication ticagrelor until you have spoken with your doctor, regardless of whether you are bleeding. Stopping ticagrelor may increase the chance of suffering a stroke or heart attack.
Before you Take this Drug
Ticagrelor is not a good choice when you are allergic to the substance or suffer from
- Any bleeding that is currently active;
- A history of bleeding within the brain (such as due to an accident to the head).
Inform your doctor if you have ever suffered from:
- A stroke;
- Heart-related problems;
- A bleeding injury or surgery;
- Bleeding issues;
- A stomach ulcer or colon polyps
- The liver condition
- Asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder), or another breathing disorder.
It is unclear if this medicine could cause harm to a baby who is not yet born. Consult your physician if you are expecting or planning to become pregnant.
It is not recommended to breastfeed while taking ticagrelor.
How to Take Ticagrelor?
Follow the instructions on the prescription label and go through all medication guides or instruction sheets. Ticagrelor is a combination medication that includes aspirin. Take these medications exactly according to the directions.
Don't take any more aspirin than your physician has advised. Aspirin that is taken in excess can cause ticagrelor to become less effective.
Consume ticagrelor at the exact times every day, whether or not you eat.
If you are unable to take a tablet in its entirety, crush it to mix with the water. Mix it up and drink the mixture immediately. Add additional water to your glass. Stir it and drink it immediately.
Ticagrelor stops blood from getting coagulated (clotting) and may cause bleeding to occur even after minor injuries. Consult your physician or seek urgent medical attention when you experience bleeding that isn't stopping.
To avoid excessive bleeding, it is possible to stop taking ticagrelor for a brief period prior to an operation, medical procedure, or dental procedure. Any health professional who cares for you must be aware that you're taking ticagrelor.
Stop taking Ticagrelor before first speaking with your doctor, even if you show indications of bleeding. Stopping the medicine may increase the chance of having a heart attack or stroke.
Cigrelor can interfere with medical tests for platelets in your blood. If this happens, it is possible to get inaccurate results. Inform the laboratory personnel that you're using ticagrelor.
Keep at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.
What Happens If I Miss a Dose?
Don't miss the dose you missed, and use the next dose at the normal time.Don't take two doses in the same day.
What Happens If I Overdose?
Get medical attention immediately or contact the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222 for help. The overdose could cause excessive bleeding.
What Should be Avoided?
Consuming alcohol when taking aspirin increases the chance of bleeding from your stomach.
Avoid activities that could increase the chances of sustaining injuries or bleeding. Take extra care to avoid bleeding while shaving or brushing your teeth.
When taking ticagrelor together with aspirin, you should avoid taking medications to treat discomfort, fever, swelling, and cold or flu symptoms. They could contain ingredients like aspirin (such as salicylates, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen). Combining certain products can result in you getting excessive amounts of aspirin, which could increase your chances of bleeding.
Interaction with Other Drugs
There are times when it's not recommended to take certain medications simultaneously. Certain medications can alter the blood levels and the other medications you are taking, which could cause more side effects or make the drugs less effective.
Discuss with your doctor the medicines you are currently taking. Numerous drugs may affect ticagrelor, including:
- Antifungal medicine;
- Antiviral medication to treat HIV and AIDS;
- A blood thinner
- The cholesterol-lowering medication
- Heart or blood pressure medications
- Opioid medicine;
- Seizure medicine;
- Tuberculosis medicine.
This list isn't complete, and other medications may impact ticagrelor. This includes prescription as well as over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. The interactions of all drugs are included here.
