Brilinta 60mg Box

BRILINTA 60mg (ticagrelor) is an antiplatelet medication used to prevent serious cardiovascular events. Here are some frequently asked questions about this medicine:

What is BRILINTA 60mg used for?

BRILINTA 60mg is primarily used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack (myocardial infarction), and stroke. It is prescribed for patients with a history of myocardial infarction (at least one year ago) who are at high risk of developing a thrombotic event. It can also be used in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus with a history of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) but no prior heart attack, to prevent a first heart attack or stroke. Additionally, it helps to reduce the risk of blood clots forming in stents placed in the heart.

How does BRILINTA 60mg work?

BRILINTA 60mg contains ticagrelor, an antiplatelet agent. It works by reversibly binding to the P2Y12 adenosine diphosphate (ADP) receptor on the surface of platelets. This action prevents ADP from binding and subsequently inhibits platelet activation and aggregation, thereby reducing the formation of harmful blood clots.

What is the usual dosage of BRILINTA 60mg?

For patients requiring extended treatment after a myocardial infarction (MI occurred at least one year ago) or those with CAD and type 2 diabetes with a history of PCI (no prior MI), the recommended dose is 60 mg twice daily. No loading dose is typically required for this specific indication. BRILINTA should usually be taken with a daily low maintenance dose of aspirin (75-150 mg), unless otherwise contraindicated.

What are the possible side effects of BRILINTA 60mg?

The most common side effects are generally related to its blood-thinning properties, including bruising, nosebleeds, and a longer time for bleeding to stop. Shortness of breath (dyspnea) is also a frequent side effect. Other common side effects may include dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, slow heartbeat, rash, and allergic reactions. Serious bleeding, which can be life-threatening, is uncommon but possible.

Is BRILINTA 60mg safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

The safety of BRILINTA during pregnancy has not been established in humans. While animal studies have not shown direct harmful effects, it should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risks to the fetus. It is not recommended to breastfeed while taking BRILINTA, as it is unknown if ticagrelor passes into human breast milk.

Can BRILINTA 60mg be taken with other medications?

BRILINTA should be taken with a daily low maintenance dose of aspirin (75-100 mg). However, high doses of aspirin (greater than 100 mg daily) can reduce BRILINTA's effectiveness. It is contraindicated with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, clarithromycin, ritonavir, atazanavir) due to a substantial increase in ticagrelor exposure. Strong CYP3A inducers (e.g., rifampin, phenytoin) can decrease its effectiveness. Caution is advised with other medications that increase bleeding risk, such as other blood thinners (warfarin, heparin) and NSAIDs (ibuprofen). Also, simvastatin and lovastatin doses greater than 40 mg should be avoided. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can increase BRILINTA levels. Always inform your healthcare professional about all medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are taking.

What precautions should be taken with BRILINTA 60mg?

Do not stop taking BRILINTA without consulting your healthcare professional, as this can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke. Patients with a history of intracranial hemorrhage, active pathological bleeding (like a stomach ulcer), or severe hepatic impairment should not take BRILINTA. Use with caution in patients with a propensity to bleed (e.g., due to recent trauma or surgery). Inform all healthcare providers, including dentists, that you are taking BRILINTA, especially before any surgery or procedure, as it may need to be temporarily discontinued about 5 days prior. BRILINTA can cause dizziness, so caution is advised when driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.

What happens if a dose of BRILINTA 60mg is missed?

If you miss a dose of BRILINTA, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at its regularly scheduled time. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.

How should BRILINTA 60mg be stored?

Store BRILINTA tablets at room temperature, typically between 2-30°C (68-77°F). Keep the medicine out of the reach and sight of children. Do not use BRILINTA after the expiry date printed on the package.