Ticagrelor: how to take it safely
Brilinta
Reviewed by Pharm. Abeeb Junior
What it is for
Prevents blood clots after a heart attack or stent.
How to take it
- Prescription medicine: take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist told you.
- Swallow with water. You can crush the tablet and mix it with water if you cannot swallow it whole.
- Keep taking it for as long as your doctor says, even if you feel well.
When to take it
Take it twice a day at the same times.
Take it with
With or without food.
What to avoid
- Stopping without your doctor's advice, especially after a stent.
- Aspirin doses above 100 mg unless your doctor says so.
- Grapefruit juice.
- Tell your dentist or surgeon that you take it.
Possible side effects
Shortness of breath, bruising, nosebleeds.
Get help if
Black stools, vomiting blood, severe headache, or bleeding that does not stop: get urgent help. Sudden severe breathlessness: see a doctor.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions and read the leaflet that comes with your medicine. Medicines and doses can differ between products and people.