Brilinta

Brilinta (Ticagrelor) is used to help minimize the risk of repeat heart attacks, strokes or blood clots in people who have had heart problems or chest pains in the past due to a lack of oxygen supply. Brilinta is taken along with aspirin to stop platelets sticking together and clogging to form a clot in your blood vessels.

Each pack of Brilinta contains 14 x 90mg tablets.

Your doctor will prescribe a daily dosage for you to take. This should be taken along with a low (less than 100mg) dosage of aspirin.

Tablets can be taken with or without food, and can be swallowed whole or crushed and mixed with liquid to make them easier to swallow.

Brilinta can cause serious bleeding that if left untreated can become fatal. While taking Brilinta you will bruise more easily, bleed more easily, may experience more nose bleeds, and may need longer for bleeding to stop.

Signs of internal bleeding may require urgent medical assistance. Notify your doctor if you notice:

• excessive or uncontrollable bleeding
• discolored urine (red, pink or brown)
• vomitting blood
• red or black, tarry stools
• coughing up blood

Brilinta will interfere with wound healing. Before you start taking Brilinta it is important for your doctor to know if you have a history of bleeding problems, have had recent serious injury or surgery, plan to have surgery or dental work or have a history of stomach ulcers. Your doctor should also be aware of any history of cardiovascular issues, liver problems, lung or respiratory issues, and if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Some medicines may interact negatively with Brilinta. Tell you doctor of all medicines you are taking especially if you are taking HIV medicines, heart medicines, hypertension medicines, cholesterol medicines, oral anti-fungal medicines, anti-seizure medicines, blood thinners or rifampin.