Ticagrelor

Introduction To Ticagrelor

Ticagrelor belongs to a group of medicines called antiplatelet or blood thinners. It reduces the formation of harmful blood clots in blood vessels. This helps to prevent a heart attack or stroke in people with heart disease.

Ticagrelor is also used to treat people with a recent heart attack or severe heart-related chest pain (unstable angina), who have undergone stenting of the heart. It helps to prevent serious heart-related problems like having another heart attack, stroke, or formation of blood clots in stents in such people.

Your doctor will also prescribe aspirin, another antiplatelet medicine, along with this medicine. Ticagrelor may be taken with or without food and should be taken regularly at the same time each day. It is important to keep taking it even if you feel well. If you stop taking this medicine, it may increase your chances of having another heart attack or stroke.

The most common side effect seen with this medicine is bleeding. If you cut or injure yourself, it may take longer than usual for the bleeding to stop. Such episodes of bleeding are usually mild and resolve on their own. Some people may develop mild breathlessness after taking this medicine, however, this usually resolves on its own with continued treatment. Let your doctor know if bleeding persists or if the breathlessness worsens or does not go away.

Ticagrelor is not suitable for some people. Do not take it if you are bleeding from anywhere in the body such as a stomach ulcer or bleeding within the brain. It is also not recommended for people with liver diseases. Before using the medicine, inform your doctor if you have any such problems.

Uses of Ticagrelor

  • Prevention of heart attack and stroke

Benefits of Ticagrelor

Prevention of heart attack and stroke
Ticagrelor is an antiplatelet medicine or blood thinner. It prevents blood from clotting inside the veins and arteries. This helps the blood flow freely around your body thereby preventing a heart attack or stroke (or deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism). Take this medicine regularly and make appropriate lifestyle changes to achieve maximum benefits. It is often prescribed along with a low dose of aspirin which also helps to prevent blood from clotting.

Side effects of Ticagrelor

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Ticabest

  • Bleeding
  • Breathlessness

How to use Ticagrelor

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Ticagrelor may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

How Ticagrelor works

Ticagrelor is an antiplatelet medication. It works by preventing platelets from sticking together, thereby decreasing the formation of harmful blood clots. This lowers the chance of heart attack or stroke.

Quick tips

  • For best results, take it at the same time every day.
  • Ticagrelor increases your risk of bleeding. Be careful while shaving, using sharp objects, or cutting fingernails or toenails.
  • Do not discontinue using the medicine without consulting your doctor as this may increase your chances of having another heart attack or stroke.
  • If you are scheduled to undergo a surgery or dental treatment, you may be asked to stop taking Ticagrelor temporarily.
  • You may experience shortness of breath in the initial weeks of therapy. Notify your doctor if it becomes worse or persists for long.

Safety Advice

sdsPregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Can I take Ticagrelor if I’m pregnant?

Ticagrelor may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.

sdsBreastfeedingCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Can I take Ticagrelor if I’m breastfeeding?

Information regarding the use of Ticagrelor during breastfeeding is not available. Please consult your doctor.

sdsAlcoholCAUTION

Is drinking alcohol while taking Ticagrelor safe?

Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Ticagrelor. Please consult your doctor.

sdsDrivingSAFE

Can I drive after taking Ticagrelor?

Ticagrelor does not usually affect your ability to drive.

sdsKidneySAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Can I take Ticagrelor if I have/had kidney diseases?

Ticagrelor is safe to use in patients with kidney disease. No dose adjustment of Ticagrelor is recommended. Limited information is available on the use of Ticagrelor in renal dialysis patients.

sdsLiverCAUTION

Can I take Ticagrelor if I have/had liver diseases?

Ticagrelor should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Ticagrelor may be needed. Please consult your doctor. Use of Ticagrelor is not recommended in patients with severe liver disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is Ticagrelor an anticoagulant?

Ticagrelor is an antiplatelet medicine or blood thinner. It makes your blood flow through your blood vessels more easily, reducing the chances of developing dangerous blood clots.

Q. Can I drink alcohol with Ticagrelor?

Drinking too much alcohol while taking Ticagrelor can irritate your stomach. This can increase your risk of getting a stomach ulcer. Therefore, avoid alcohol intake while taking this medicine.

Q. What is the most important thing I should know about Ticagrelor?

Ticagrelor is a blood thinner which lowers your chance of getting or dying from a heart attack or stroke. However, this blood thinning property of Ticagrelor (and similar drugs) can cause serious bleeding and may even lead to death in some cases. The need for blood transfusions or surgery may arise in cases of serious bleeding, such as internal bleeding.

Q. What will happen if I stop taking Ticagrelor?

Do not stop taking Ticagrelor without talking to your doctor. Doing this may increase your risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Moreover, people being treated with a stent should continue taking it, as stopping this medicine may increase the risk of getting a blood clot in the stent. As a result, the person may become susceptible to a heart attack or even death.

Q. Will I need to stop Ticagrelor before having surgery or dental treatment?

Your doctor may instruct you to stop taking Ticagrelor 5 days before surgery. This will help decrease your risk of excessive bleeding during your surgery or procedure. Your doctor will advise you when to start taking Ticagrelor again.

Q. How long does Ticagrelor take to work?

Ticagrelor starts working within 30 minutes of taking your first dose. You may not feel any different after you start taking Ticagrelor, but this does not mean that the medicine is not working. Keep taking this medicine even if you feel well, as you will still be getting its benefits.

References

Written By:

Dr Advikka Ridhy

Dr Advikka Ridhy

MBBS

RMO, Aster MIMS

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