Brilinta (Ticagrelor) is used along with aspirin to prevent serious or life-threatening problems with the heart and blood vessels in people who have had a heart attack or severe chest pain (angina). It is also used to prevent blood clots from forming in people with coronary stents (metal tubes surgically placed in clogged blood vessels to improve blood flow) who have had a heart attack or severe chest pain. Ticagrelor is in a class of medications called antiplatelet medications. It works by preventing platelets (a type of blood cell) from collecting and forming clots that may cause a heart attack or stroke. Platelet aggregation inhibitors help prevent heart attacks and strokes by decreasing excessive blood clotting. They do this by preventing platelets from becoming sticky and clumping. It keeps blood flowing smoothly in your body. Ticagrelor will help prevent serious problems with your heart and blood vessels only as long as you take the medication.

Ticagrelor comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food two times a day. Take ticagrelor at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take ticagrelor exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.If you are unable to swallow ticagrelor tablets, you may crush the tablet and mix it with water. Drink the mixture immediately, then refill the glass with water and stir and again drink the mixture immediately. If you stop taking ticagrelor, there is a higher risk that you may have a heart attack or stroke. If you have a stent, there is also a higher risk that you could develop a blood clot in the stent if you stop taking ticagrelor too soon.

Before taking ticagrelor,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to ticagrelor, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in ticagrelor tablets. Ask your pharmacist or check the Medication Guide for a list of the ingredients.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any type of lung disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; a group of diseases that affect the lungs and airways) or asthma.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking ticagrelor, call your doctor.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• bleeding problems (such as bleeding in the brain, hemophilia, ulcers, frequent nosebleeds)
• gout
• liver disease,
• recent surgery, serious injury/trauma
• fast/slow/irregular heartbeat.

Ticagrelor may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• dizziness
• nausea

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these, call your doctor immediately:

• shortness of breath that occurs while you are at rest, after a small amount of exercise, or after any physical activity
• chest pain fast, slow, pounding, or irregular heartbeat

Ticagrelor may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Q: What may interact with this medicine?

A: Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• defibrotide
• itraconazole

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• aspirin
• certain antibiotics like clarithromycin, telithromycin, and rifampin
• certain antiviral medicines for HIV or AIDS like atazanavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, and saquinavir
• certain medicines for cholesterol like lovastatin and simvastatin
• certain medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole and voriconazole
• certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and phenytoin
• digoxin
• narcotic medication for pain

Q: How should I use this medicine?

A: Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.