Ticagrelor

What is Ticagrelor used for?

Ticagrelor 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 does Ticagrelor work?

Ticagrelor 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.

Is Ticagrelor effective?

Ticagrelor 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 ticagrelor less effective.

How does one know if Ticagrelor is working?

A large study looked at a medicine called ticagrelor in people who'd had a heart attack. They compared it to aspirin alone, and found that ticagrelor, 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 ticagrelor less effective.

What is the usual dose of Ticagrelor?

Ticagrelor 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 ticagrelor, unless a doctor says otherwise after a procedure to open blocked heart arteries. This medicine isn't used for children. 

How do I take Ticagrelor?

Take your ticagrelor 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 Ticagrelor?

Ticagrelor 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. 

How long does it take for Ticagrelor to start working?

Ticagrelor, 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.

How should I store Ticagrelor?

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

Who should avoid taking Ticagrelor?

Ticagrelor 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 Ticagrelor with other prescription drugs?

Ticagrelor 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 ticagrelor with these other drugs at the same time. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure.

Can I take Ticagrelor with vitamins or supplements?

Ticagrelor 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 Ticagrelor be taken safely while pregnant?

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

Can Ticagrelor be taken safely while breastfeeding?

If you're taking the medicine ticagrelor, 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 Ticagrelor 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.

Is it safe to exercise while taking Ticagrelor?

Ticagrelor 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.

Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Ticagrelor?

Drinking alcohol occasionally or moderately is generally safe while taking Ticagrelor, but it’s important to be cautious. Alcohol doesn’t directly interfere with how Ticagrelor 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.