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Brilinta - Uses - Dosages - Side Effects - Precautions

Brilinta: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Brilinta?

Brilinta is a prescription medication that contains ticagrelor as its active ingredient. It has antiplatelet properties and is a blood thinner that treats acute coronary syndrome (ACS). It prevents the aggregation of platelets and the formation of blood clots, reducing the risk of heart attacks. It is available as 60 mg and 90 mg tablet formulations. You should take this medication as per the prescription from your doctor.

What are the uses of Brilinta?

  • Brilinta is a blood thinner, and it prevents the aggregation of platelets and resultant blood clots in the blood vessels. 
  • Doctors prescribe this medication primarily to prevent coronary artery disease (CAD), heart attacks, ischemic strokes occurring because of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, etc., especially in people with a history of heart diseases or diabetes.
  • Other uses include the prevention of blood clot formation after heart surgery, such as stent placement.
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What are the side effects of Brilinta?

Common side effects:

  • Bleeding
  • Blood disorders
  • Vertigo
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhoea
  • Heartburn
  • Rashes
  •  Increase in uric acid levels

Serious side effects

  • Syncope (fainting)
  • Increase in blood creatinine 
  • Urinary tract bleeding
  • Gout
  • Reproductive system bleeding
  • Confusion
  • Hypersensitivity reaction
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Angioedema (painless swelling under the skin)

Most of the side effects associated with Brilinta are self-resolving and tend to subside in a few days. However, if the side effects continue to bother you or worsen, seek immediate medical attention.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Brilinta

1. What can you not take with Brilinta?

Brilinta should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor, and you should not self-medicate. Please do not combine Brilinta with any other blood thinners without consulting your doctor. Additionally, do not combine Brilinta with antiviral medications (ritonavir and atazanavir), ketoconazole, nefazodone, or ketoconazole because these medications can increase the amount of Brilinta in the blood.

2. Can you drink coffee while taking Brilinta?

Usually, it is safe to drink coffee in the morning or evening while on Brilinta. There are no specific interactions reported between Brilinta and caffeine. However, you should check how much coffee you can take with your doctor. Consult our doctors for expert opinions on the use of Brilinta.

3. How long should you take Brilinta after a stent?

Generally, doctors may give Brilinta for 6-12 months after stent placement along with low-dose aspirin. However, your doctor may adjust its dose and frequency depending on your condition. You should strictly take Brilinta as per your doctor’s direction otherwise it could lead to worsening of the condition. Consult our experts for the best medical opinions regarding the use of Brilinta.

4. Should Brilinta be taken with food?

You can take Brillinta with or without food. There are no specific drug-food interactions reported with Brilinta; however, please take precautions and do not consume alcohol with Brilinta. Concomitant use of alcohol and Brilinta could increase the risk of bleeding. Consult our doctors for the best advice on the use of Brilinta.

5. What time of day should you take Brilinta?

Doctors usually prescribe twice a day doses of Brilinta, one in the morning and one in the evening. However, depending on your medical condition, doctors might adjust its dose and frequency and recommend taking it at a specific time. You should discuss with your doctor if you experience any specific side effects at any particular time.

6. Can Brilinta make you tired?

Tiredness and a feeling of weakness are known side effects of Brilinta. However, if you feel excessive, unusual tiredness, it may be an alarming sign of some other disorder, and you should consult your doctor. Reach out to our team of medical experts for the best opinions on the use of Brilinta and the management of side effects associated with it.

7. Why does Brilinta cause shortness of breath?

Brilinta causes shortness of breath by increasing adenosine plasma levels and inhibiting nucleoside transporter-1. The increased levels of adenosine lead to drug-related shortness of breath. In the case of hypersensitivity reaction, the involvement of other mediators may cause dyspnea (shortness of breath). Consult our experts if you experience unusual shortness of breath.

8. Does Brilinta affect the kidneys?

Brilinta does carry the risk of inducing damage to the kidneys and causing acute kidney injuries. Additionally, using Brilinta with statins, such as rosuvastatin, may lead to drug-drug interactions, thereby leading to significant kidney damage. It will help if you undergo your regular kidney tests while on therapy with Brilinta.

9. Can Brilinta cause anxiety?

As Brilinta is known to have some effects on the nervous system, it can lead to anxiety, among other symptoms. Anxiety can also result from the shortness of breath and the rapid heart rate caused by Brilinta. Using Brilinta with other medications may accentuate anxiety because of drug-drug interactions.

10. Is Brilinta a blood thinner?

Yes, Brilinta belongs to the category of blood thinners which helps prevent platelet accumulation and clot formation in the arteries and veins. Hence, it is used as a blood thinner to prevent heart attack, stroke and ACS. Doctors may prescribe Brilinta after stent placement. Consult our doctors for the best advice regarding the use of Brilinta.

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Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.