BRILINTA (TICAGRELOR)

Brilinta Description

Brilinta may be prescribed for you, along with a low-dose aspirin, if you have had a recent heart attack or experienced unstable angina because of an insufficient supply of oxygen to your heart or are being treated with drugs/procedures to unblock arteries in your heart. This is an antiplatelet medication that prevents clots in your blood vessels which can cause a restricted flow of oxygenated blood to your heart.

How Brilinta Prevents Clots in Blood Vessels

When taken as directed, Brilinta will prevent the action of adenosine diphosphate (ADP). This is a natural chemical produced in your body that causes platelets to clump together to form a clot. When Brilinta binds to a particular area on the platelets, ADP is unable to perform its job so your blood vessels will not be threatened by platelets clumping and your heart will receive an ample supply of oxygenated blood and greatly reduce your risk of a heart attack.

Conditions Treated by Brilinta

Blood clots are a natural response that occurs when your body has sustained an injury that has caused you to bleed. Platelets rush to the scene and group together to form a clot to plug up the opening you are bleeding from, which is very helpful. Blood clots are formed in your arteries as a response to the damage your arteries have undergone from the pressure that has built up to try and keep a blood supply flowing to other tissues and organs, and this is not a positive move.

Acute Coronary Syndrome, or ACS, is the collective name for conditions where the blood supply to your heart muscle is blocked or reduced. This can cause a heart attack or unstable angina, both of which need immediate medical attention. Once any part of your heart muscle has sustained damage from the loss of its blood supply caused by a clot, it cannot heal and your chances of having another heart attack are increased.

Before You Take Brilinta

Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast-feeding so it can be decided if any of the benefits of taking Brilinta outweigh the risks to your unborn or nursing baby. Discuss other medical conditions and allergies you have and list any current over the counter and Rx drugs you are taking, as well as herbal remedies and vitamin supplements to be certain there are no contraindications when combined with Brilinta.

Precautions for Brilinta

Inform all medical staff that you are taking Brilinta before undergoing any dental or surgical procedures because your body is unable to clot properly. Do not take part in any activities that may cause injuries while taking Brilinta as you may bleed more due to the effects of this drug. All medications should be stored out of children’s reach and sight.

Possible Side Effects of Brilinta

• Increased bruising or bleeding
• Headache
• Nausea
• Fatigue