Ticagrelor oral tablet

What is this medication?

TICAGRELOR (TYE ka GREL or) helps to prevent blood clots. It lowers the risk of heart attacks or stroke in people with coronary artery disease (such as chest pain or heart attack) or a previous stroke or mini-stroke. It is in a class of drugs called anti-platelets.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): BRILINTA

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Bleeding disorders
• Bleeding in the brain
• Colon polyps
• Having surgery
• History of irregular heartbeat or rhythm
• History of stomach bleeding
• Liver disease
• Lung or breathing disease (asthma, COPD)
• Severe injury
• Sleep apnea
• Stomach ulcer
• Stroke or transient ischemic attack
• Take medications that treat or prevent blood clots
• An unusual or allergic reaction to ticagrelor, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medicine by mouth. Swallow the tablets whole. You may also crush the tablets. After crushing the tablets, put the contents in a glass of water. Swallow the medicine and water right away. Refill the glass with water, stir, and drink all of the water. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. For your therapy to work as well as possible, take each dose exactly as prescribed on the prescription label. Do not skip doses. Skipping doses or stopping this medicine can increase your risk of a blood clot or stroke. Keep taking this medicine unless your health care provider tells you to stop.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your health care provider about the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Avanafil
• Defibrotide
• Itraconazole

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Aspirin
• Certain antibiotics, such as clarithromycin, telithromycin, and rifampin
• Certain antiviral medications for HIV or AIDS, such as atazanavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, and saquinavir
• Certain medications for cholesterol, such as lovastatin and simvastatin
• Certain medications for fungal infections, such as itraconazole, ketoconazole and voriconazole
• Certain medications for seizures, such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and phenytoin
• Digoxin
• Opioid medications for pain
• Nefazodone

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication. It is important not to miss any appointments.

This medication may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your care team if you notice any unusual bleeding.

Avoid sports and activities that might cause injury while you are using this medication. Severe falls or injuries can cause unseen bleeding. Be careful when using sharp tools or knives. Consider using an electric razor. Take special care brushing or flossing your teeth. Report any injuries, bruising, or red spots on the skin to your care team.

If you are going to need surgery or other procedure, tell your care team that you are taking this medication.

Tell your dentist and dental surgeon that you are taking this medication. You should not have major dental surgery while on this medication. See your dentist to have a dental exam and fix any dental problems before starting this medication. Take good care of your teeth while on this medication. Make sure to see your dentist for regular follow-up appointments.

Take aspirin every day with this medication. Do not take more than 100 mg of aspirin per day.

Wear a medical ID bracelet or chain. Carry a card that describes your condition. List the medications and doses you take on the card.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions (skin rash, itching or hives; swelling of the face, lips, or tongue)
• bleeding (bloody or black, tarry stools; red or dark brown urine; spitting up blood or brown material that looks like coffee ground; red spots on the skin; unusual bruising or bleeding from the eyes, gums, or nose)
• heartbeat rhythm changes (trouble breathing; chest pain; dizziness; irregular heartbeat; feeling faint or lightheaded, falls)
• trouble breathing, especially during sleep (breathing faster, then slower; short pauses in breathing; loud snoring)

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea
• headache
• nausea
• tiredness

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep the container tightly closed.

Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.