Uses of Ticagrelor

Ticagrelor is used to reduce the rate of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction and stroke in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or a history of myocardial infarction. It also reduces the rate of stent thrombosis in patients who have been stented for treatment of ACS.

Therapeutic Category

Ticagrelor: Antiplatelet agents

How Ticagrelor works

Ticagrelor stops clumping of blood cells called platelets, which is responsible for clot formation in diseased blood vessels of heart and brain and thus reduces the chances of a blood clot formation.

Common side effects of Ticagrelor

• Shortness of breath
• Bleeding and bruising
• Headache, feeling dizzy
• Diarrhea, indigestion or constipation
• Feeling sick (nausea)
• Skin rash or itching
• Gout (severe pain and swelling in joints)
• Low blood pressure
• Bleeding in the nose, stomach lining or gums
• Bleeding after surgery or from cuts

When to consult your doctor

• Signs of stroke (such as headache, feeling dizzy, sudden numbness of arm, leg or face, especially if only on one side of the body, confusion, difficulty in speaking, lack of co-ordination)
• Unexpected bleeding
• Pink, red or brown urine
• Vomiting blood clots
• Red or black stools
• Fainting (syncope)
• Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (such as fever and purplish spots on skin or in mouth, with or without yellowing of skin or eyes, unexplained extreme tiredness or confusion)

Health Tips for Ticagrelor

• Follow the recommended dosage and frequency as prescribed by your doctor and do not make any change without consulting them
• Take Ticagrelor exactly as instructed by your healthcare provider. Ticagrelor can be taken with or without food. Take Ticagrelor at the same time each day to maintain a consistent level of the medication in your bloodstream
• Do not stop taking the medication without consulting your healthcare provider, as premature discontinuation may increase the risk of complications
• Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications, supplements, or herbal remedies you are taking, as some may increase the risk of bleeding when combined with Ticagrelor
• Regularly schedule follow-up appointments with your doctor to monitor your progress and assess the effectiveness of Ticagrelor. Your doctor may adjust the dosage or treatment plan based on your response and any potential side effects
• Ticagrelor is not recommended for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women