ticavic (TICAGRELOR)

What is Ticavic?

Ticavic is a pill that helps prevent serious heart problems like heart attacks and strokes. It works by keeping blood cells from sticking together and forming dangerous clots, especially in people who've had a heart attack or have blocked heart arteries. It's often taken with aspirin, but a doctor should decide the correct dose, usually no more than 100mg of Ticavic per day.

What is the usual dose of Ticavic?

Ticavic is a blood thinner used after a heart attack or serious chest pain (ACS) or for some types of heart disease. For the first year after a heart attack or serious chest pain, the usual dose is 90mg twice a day, then it's lowered to 60mg twice a day. 

If you have heart disease but no history of stroke or heart attack, the dose is 60mg twice a day. Most people also take aspirin (75-100mg daily) with Ticavic, unless a doctor says otherwise after a procedure to open blocked heart arteries. This medicine isn't used for children.

 

How do I take Ticavic?

Take your Ticavic pills twice a day, around the same time each time. It's okay to take them with or without food. If you forget a dose, just skip it and take the next one as usual. Never take two pills at once unless your doctor tells you to.

For how long do I take Ticavic?

Ticavic is a blood thinner. Doctors prescribe it for different heart and blood vessel problems. If you've had a stroke or mini-stroke, you'll take a higher dose (90mg twice a day) for a month. 

For a heart attack or serious heart problems, you'll take the higher dose for a year, then a lower dose (60mg twice a day) after that. If you have heart problems but haven't had a stroke or heart attack, you'll take the lower dose (60mg twice a day). Your doctor will tell you exactly what dose and how long to take it.

 

What is Ticavic used for?

Ticavic is a medicine that helps prevent serious heart problems. It's used for people who've had a heart attack or chest pain (like angina), or are at high risk of one. It's especially helpful in the first year after a heart attack. It also helps prevent strokes in people who've had a stroke or mini-stroke (TIA), or are at high risk of one. 

It works better than some other similar medicines for many people in these situations. For people with diabetes, it's particularly effective in preventing heart attacks and strokes.

 

How long does it take for Ticavic to start working?

Ticavic, a blood thinner, starts working quickly. Its peak effect happens about 2 hours after taking it and lasts for at least 8 hours. The main part of the medicine gets absorbed into your body within about 1.5 hours, and the most active part forms within about 2.5 hours. There's some variation in how quickly this happens in different people.

Is Ticavic effective?

Ticavic is a medicine that helps prevent serious heart problems like heart attacks and strokes. Studies show it significantly lowers the risk of these events. It works best when taken with a low dose of aspirin (no more than 100mg). Taking a higher dose of aspirin might make Ticavic less effective.

How does one know if Ticavic is working?

A large study looked at a medicine called Ticavic in people who'd had a heart attack. They compared it to aspirin alone, and found that Ticavic, especially with a lower dose of aspirin, helped prevent more heart attacks, strokes, and deaths. Using a higher dose of aspirin might actually make the Ticavic less effective.

How does Ticavic work?

Ticavic is a pill that helps prevent serious heart problems like heart attacks and strokes. It's for people who've already had a heart problem or are at high risk of one. It works by preventing blood clots, which can block blood flow to the heart and brain. The way it does this involves affecting certain proteins in the body. It's a prescription medicine, so you need a doctor's order to take it.

Who should avoid taking Ticavic?

Ticavic is a blood thinner that helps prevent heart attacks and strokes. However, it increases your chances of bleeding. You shouldn't take it if you've had bleeding in your brain, are bleeding now, or are allergic to it. 

Stopping it suddenly is dangerous and could lead to a heart attack, stroke, or death. If you need surgery, you'll need to stop taking it 5 days beforehand. Tell your doctor right away if you have heavy bleeding, blood in your pee or poop, or cough up blood.

 

Can I take Ticavic with vitamins or supplements?

Ticavic may interact with supplements like omega-3s, high-dose vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, or garlic, increasing bleeding risk. Always inform your doctor about any supplements you take.

Can I take Ticavic with other prescription drugs?

Ticavic is a blood thinner. Some medicines can make it work too strongly (like ketoconazole or itraconazole), leading to more side effects. Other medicines (like rifampin or phenytoin) can make it work too weakly, so it won't thin your blood enough. To be safe, don't take Ticavic with these other drugs at the same time. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure.

Can Ticavic be taken safely while pregnant?

There's no clear evidence of harm to babies from Ticavic use during pregnancy.

Can Ticavic be taken safely while breastfeeding?

If you're taking the medicine Ticavic, it's best not to breastfeed. We don't know for sure if the medicine goes into breast milk, but animal studies suggest it probably does. Talk to your doctor about other ways to feed your baby.

Is Ticavic safe for the elderly?

About half the people in the study were 65 or older, and a good chunk of those were 75 or older. The study found that the medicine worked about the same and was equally safe for both older and younger people.

How should I store Ticavic?

Keep the Ticavic pills at room temperature, not too hot or too cold. A normal room temperature is fine. Make sure kids can't get to them.

Does Ticavic make people tired or drowsy?

Yes, Ticavic can cause dizziness which was reported in 4.5% of patients in the PLATO trial. Dyspnea (shortness of breath) was also reported in 13.8% of patients. If you experience these symptoms, talk to your doctor.

Does Ticavic cause stomach upset?

Yes, nausea was reported in 4.3% of patients in the PLATO trial. If you experience stomach upset, talk to your doctor or pharmacist for advice on managing these side effects.

Does Ticavic affect sleep?

Insomnia is not commonly reported with Ticavic, but some people may experience difficulty sleeping. If this happens, try practicing good sleep hygiene, such as avoiding caffeine before bedtime and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule. If sleep problems persist or worsen, talk to your doctor.

Does Ticavic make it hard to think or concentrate?

Cognitive side effects, such as difficulty concentrating, thinking, or remembering, are not commonly associated with Ticavic. However, if you notice these issues while taking the medication, it could be due to other factors, such as low oxygen levels from shortness of breath (a possible side effect of Ticavic) or interactions with other medications.

Does Ticavic affect mood?

Ticavic is not commonly associated with mental health side effects such as changes in mood, irritability, or anxiety. However, these symptoms can sometimes occur due to the stress of managing a medical condition or from side effects like shortness of breath, which may impact overall well-being. If you notice changes in your mood or feel unusually anxious or irritable, it’s important to talk to your doctor

Does Ticavic interfere with sexual function?

Sexual side effects, such as loss of libido or difficulty getting an erection, are not commonly reported with Ticavic. If you experience these issues, they could be related to other factors, like stress, underlying health conditions, or other medications. Speak with your doctor to discuss your symptoms. They can help identify the cause and suggest solutions, such as lifestyle changes, counseling, or adjusting your treatment plan.

Does Ticavic affect appetite?

Ticavic is not commonly associated with changes in appetite, such as increased or decreased hunger. If you notice a significant change in your eating habits while taking this medicine, it could be due to other factors like stress, side effects from the medication (e.g., nausea), or unrelated health conditions.

Does Ticavic cause weight gain?

Ticavic is not commonly linked to changes in weight, such as weight loss or weight gain. If you notice significant weight changes while taking this medication, it could be due to other factors, such as lifestyle changes, diet, or underlying health conditions. Sometimes, side effects like nausea or shortness of breath might indirectly affect your weight.

Does Ticavic cause headaches?

Headache is a known side effect of Ticavic, though it is not very common. If you experience a headache while taking this medication, it may be mild and temporary. The frequency of this side effect is not widely reported but is generally considered rare.

Does Ticavic limit driving?

Ticavic may cause side effects like dizziness or lightheadedness, which could affect your ability to drive. These effects are not very common but can occur, especially when you first start taking the medication or if you stand up too quickly.

Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Ticavic?

Drinking alcohol occasionally or moderately is generally safe while taking Ticavic, but it’s important to be cautious. Alcohol doesn’t directly interfere with how Ticavic works, but both can increase the risk of bleeding. This means that if you drink alcohol and accidentally cut yourself or have an injury, it might take longer for the bleeding to stop.

Is it safe to drink coffee or tea while taking Ticavic?

Drinking coffee, tea, or other caffeinated beverages is generally safe while taking Ticavic and doesn’t affect how the medicine works. However, caffeine can sometimes cause side effects like increased heart rate or jitteriness, which could feel similar to or worsen side effects of Ticavic, such as dizziness or shortness of breath.

Is it safe to exercise while taking Ticavic?

Ticavic doesn’t directly affect your ability to exercise moderately or strenuously, but it can cause side effects like shortness of breath or dizziness in some people. These symptoms might make intense physical activity feel harder or less safe. If you experience these side effects, it’s a good idea to take it easy and avoid overexertion until you feel better.

What are Ticavic possible harms and risks?

If you experience any of the following, go to the doctor right away: trouble breathing (new, worse, or unexpected, especially at rest, night, or while doing things); breathing that's uneven (too fast, too slow, or stops and starts); a slow or irregular heartbeat; or any kind of serious bleeding (like blood in your pee, vomit, poop, or cough).