Ticagrelor is a medication used to help prevent stroke and heart attack in people with a history of heart disease and patients who are at increased risk of stroke due to an underlying disease like diabetes or transient ischemic attack. It can also work by preventing blood clots in patients who have undergone heart surgeries like stent placement.
The Ticagrelor drug is produced by AstraZeneca and it is sold under the brand name Brilinta. It is often taken with low-dose Aspirin to balance its side effects and perform better.
How Ticagrelor works
Ticagrelor works by blocking platelets from sticking to each other and prevents the formation of harmful clots. Being an antiplatelet drug, Ticagrelor ensures that the blood flows smoothly in the body. The prevention of blood clots eventually results in lowering the risk of artery blockage.
Usage of Ticagrelor
Ticagrelor is a prescription drug that comes in tablet form and is taken orally. It is commonly made available by the brand Brilinta but can also be bought as a generic drug. Ticagrelor is often taken as a combination therapy with other medications. The medicine most commonly prescribed with it is Aspirin. However, it should be noted that no more than 100 mg of Aspirin is consumed in a day as it has an indirect effect on the effectiveness of Ticagrelor.
Ticagrelor usage is not recommended if before or after a bypass heart surgery. The length of treatment and dosage is based on a patient’s medical condition and their response to treatment. Doctors mostly prescribe two doses of this medicine in a day. A low-dose Aspirin (75 to 100 mg) is taken once a day in combination with Ticagrelor for quicker action.
Side Effects of Ticagrelor
The common Ticagrelor side effects experienced during the course include nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath, headache and nosebleed. Although serious side effects are unlikely to be seen, they should be reported to a doctor at the earliest. These may include easy bruising, severe bleeding, vomit with blood, black stools and dark urine.
In rare cases, patients have experienced allergic reactions, fainting, irregular heartbeat and signs of blood clots. Getting immediate medical help is recommended if a patient shows irregular side effects.
Ticagrelor may interfere with other medications or vitamins that a patient may already be taking. These interactions may cause a substance to change the way a drug works and affects the body. Hence it is essential to tell your doctor about all ongoing medications to avoid interactions and ensure that the drug performs well.
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