Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Brilinta (Ticagrelor).
ASA dose: Brilinta (Ticagrelor) is usually used along with low doses of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) unless there is a reason you should not take ASA. The dose of ASA should not be greater than 150 mg daily.
Bleeding: Brilinta (Ticagrelor) can increase your risk of bleeding. If you are at risk of bleeding (e.g., have had recent trauma, surgery, dental procedures, bleeding in the stomach or intestines, reduced liver function) or are taking any medications that increase your risk of bleeding (e.g., blood thinners, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication), discuss with your doctor how Brilinta (Ticagrelor) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Brilinta (Ticagrelor), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Tell your doctor of any signs that your blood is not clotting as quickly as usual. Such symptoms may include black and tarry stools, blood in the urine, easy bruising, or cuts that won't stop bleeding.
Breathing problems: Brilinta (Ticagrelor) can cause shortness of breath for some people. It is usually mild to moderate and typically gets better as your body adjusts to the medication. If you have Asthma or COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), discuss with your doctor how Brilinta (Ticagrelor) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Brilinta (Ticagrelor), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Dizziness/reduced alertness: Brilinta (Ticagrelor) may affect the mental or physical abilities needed to drive or operate machinery. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous tasks until you have determined how Brilinta (Ticagrelor) affects you.
Grapefruit juice: Grapefruit juice affects how Brilinta (Ticagrelor) is removed from the body and may cause too much of the medication to build up in the body, possibly causing harmful side effects. Do not drink grapefruit juice or eat grapefruit at any time while taking Brilinta (Ticagrelor).
Heart rhythm: Brilinta (Ticagrelor) may cause changes in heart rhythm. If you have certain abnormal heart rhythms (e.g., sick sinus syndrome, 2nd- or 3rd-degree heart block, or fainting because of a slow heartbeat, and do not have a pacemaker) or are taking medication that slows the heart rate (e.g., Atenolol, Diltiazem, Verapamil, Metoprolol), discuss with your doctor how Brilinta (Ticagrelor) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Brilinta (Ticagrelor), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
High uric acid levels and gout: Brilinta (Ticagrelor) may cause an increase in the amount of uric acid in the blood. If you have or have had high uric acid blood levels or gout, discuss with your doctor how Brilinta (Ticagrelor) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Brilinta (Ticagrelor), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you develop painful, warm, and swollen joints or difficulty with urination, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Kidney function: If you are receiving dialysis, discuss with your doctor how Brilinta (Ticagrelor) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Brilinta (Ticagrelor), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: Brilinta (Ticagrelor) is broken down by the liver so it can be removed from the body. Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause a build-up of Brilinta (Ticagrelor) in the body and cause side effects. If you have liver disease or decreased liver function, discuss with your doctor how Brilinta (Ticagrelor) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Brilinta (Ticagrelor), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you have moderately to severely reduced liver function, you should not take Brilinta (Ticagrelor).
Stopping medication: If you stop Brilinta (Ticagrelor), you will be at an increased risk of having a stroke or heart attack. If your doctor suggests stopping Brilinta (Ticagrelor) temporarily because of side effects, it should be restarted as soon as the risk of the side effect is less than the risk of not taking the medication.
Surgery: If you have elective (planned) surgery, your doctor will tell you when to stop taking Brilinta (Ticagrelor) before the surgery.
Pregnancy: The safety of using Brilinta (Ticagrelor) during pregnancy has not been established. If you could become pregnant while taking Brilinta (Ticagrelor), use appropriate birth control to prevent pregnancy.
Brilinta (Ticagrelor) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Brilinta (Ticagrelor), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Brilinta (Ticagrelor) passes into breast milk. If you are breast-feeding and are taking Brilinta (Ticagrelor), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Brilinta (Ticagrelor) have not been established for children and adolescents less than 18 years of age.
