Ticagrelor Tablets for Heart Protection (Brilinta® Generic)

What Ticagrelor Is and How It Works

Ticagrelor is an oral antiplatelet medicine. It belongs to the P2Y12 receptor inhibitor class and helps prevent dangerous blood clots. It is used with low‑dose aspirin to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death in people with acute coronary syndrome or a history of myocardial infarction. It comes as film‑coated tablets in 60 mg and 90 mg strengths. Many people compare ticagrelor cost and dosing options when deciding on therapy.

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Ticagrelor blocks the adenosine diphosphate (ADP) P2Y12 receptor on platelets. This prevents platelet activation and aggregation. In clinical trials, ticagrelor reduced the risk of cardiovascular events compared with clopidogrel in certain patients. The drug acts quickly and reversibly, with antiplatelet effects appearing within hours of the first dose. Ticagrelor is the generic; the ticagrelor brand name is Brilinta® (AstraZeneca).

Typical ticagrelor tablet uses include treatment after stent placement and ongoing prevention after a heart event. The drug class of Brilinta is the same as ticagrelor: a P2Y12 inhibitor within the antiplatelet class. Tablets may be taken with or without food. They can be swallowed whole or crushed and mixed with water for immediate use if swallowing is difficult.

Dosage and Usage

• Acute coronary syndrome or stent placement: a 180 mg loading dose, then 90 mg twice daily for up to 12 months with low‑dose aspirin (75–100 mg daily).
• Extended secondary prevention after the first year: 60 mg twice daily may be used in patients who remain at risk, with low‑dose aspirin.
• Maintenance aspirin doses above 100 mg daily may reduce ticagrelor effectiveness and should be avoided.
• Tablets may be taken with or without food. Crushing and mixing with water is acceptable; administer promptly.
• Missed dose: if a dose is missed, take the next dose at the scheduled time. Do not double the next dose.
• Planned surgery or dental procedures: the medication is usually stopped 5 days before to reduce bleeding risk. Restart when clinically appropriate.
• Renal impairment: no routine adjustment. Severe hepatic impairment is a contraindication.
• Drug interactions: avoid strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, clarithromycin) and strong inducers (e.g., rifampin). Limit simvastatin or lovastatin to 40 mg daily when used together.

• Store at 20–25 °C (68–77 °F); brief excursions 15–30 °C (59–86 °F) are acceptable.
• Keep tablets in the original container, tightly closed, and protect from moisture.
• For travel, keep medicine in your carry‑on. Bring extra doses and your prescription label.
• Avoid extreme heat or freezing in cars. Use a small insulated pouch if needed.
• Do not use past the expiration date. Keep out of reach of children.

Benefits and Savings

Ticagrelor provides strong platelet inhibition with a rapid onset and a reversible binding profile. These features support protection during the high‑risk period after a heart attack or stent. Many patients continue therapy beyond the first year at 60 mg twice daily for ongoing risk reduction.

Buying from Canada can reduce out‑of‑pocket costs. Expect typical 60–80 % savings versus many US pharmacy prices. You can check ticagrelor cost per month by selecting your pack size and strength. Brilinta price comparisons often show higher brand costs in the US; generic ticagrelor offers a lower entry point while meeting the same quality standards.

Per‑month costs may decrease when you choose a multi‑month supply. Bulk promotions can further lower the price. You can turn on gentle reorder reminders in your account so you never run out. If you track Brilinta 90 mg price or ticagrelor 90 mg tablets availability, consider ordering a longer supply to reduce shipping frequency.

For current deals, see our ticagrelor coupon page for seasonal promotions.

Side Effects and Safety

• Common Brilinta side effects: shortness of breath (dyspnea), mild to moderate bleeding, easy bruising.
• Other effects: headache, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, nosebleeds, increased uric acid, and mild increases in creatinine.
• Local reactions are uncommon because this is an oral tablet.
• Bleeding risk increases with anticoagulants, NSAIDs, and SSRIs/SNRIs.

Serious bleeding can occur, including gastrointestinal or intracranial hemorrhage. Do not use in patients with active pathological bleeding, a history of intracranial hemorrhage, or severe liver impairment. Avoid strong CYP3A inhibitors/inducers. Use with maintenance aspirin doses of 75–100 mg only; higher doses may reduce effectiveness. Rare bradyarrhythmias, including heart block, have been reported. New or worsening dyspnea often improves over time but needs clinical assessment if persistent or severe. In pregnancy or breastfeeding, decisions should be individualized with a clinician.

Onset Time

Platelet inhibition begins within 30 minutes and is near maximal within 2–4 hours of the first dose. Clinical protection against clot‑related events starts early in therapy, especially after the loading dose. The full benefit accrues with consistent twice‑daily dosing over weeks and months. After stopping, platelet function generally recovers over 3–5 days due to reversible binding.

Compare With Alternatives

Clopidogrel is another oral P2Y12 inhibitor. It is given once daily and is a prodrug that needs metabolic activation. Ticagrelor works faster and provides more potent platelet inhibition in many patients, with a higher but manageable risk of non‑CABG bleeding in trials.

Prasugrel is a potent P2Y12 inhibitor used mainly in patients with stents after certain types of heart attacks. It is once daily but is not advised in patients with prior stroke or TIA and may produce more bleeding in some groups. Choice depends on clinical factors and bleeding risk.

Cangrelor is an intravenous, very fast‑acting P2Y12 inhibitor used during PCI in hospital settings. It is not used as a chronic outpatient therapy but illustrates how the P2Y12 class can be tailored to immediate procedural needs.

Combination Therapy

• Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT): ticagrelor plus low‑dose aspirin is standard after stent placement and acute coronary syndrome.
• Triple therapy: when anticoagulation (e.g., warfarin or a DOAC) is needed, minimize duration to lower bleeding risk; add a proton‑pump inhibitor if gastrointestinal risk is high.
• Statins: simvastatin or lovastatin doses should not exceed 40 mg daily with ticagrelor; other statins can be considered.
• NSAIDs and SSRIs/SNRIs: combined use may increase bleeding and should be carefully monitored.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Suitable candidates include adults with acute coronary syndrome, recent myocardial infarction, or stent placement who require DAPT. The 90 mg strength is standard during the first year after an event; 60 mg twice daily may follow for long‑term prevention. Selection should account for bleeding risk, rhythm issues, and drug interactions.

Not suitable: people with active bleeding, a history of intracranial hemorrhage, or severe liver disease. Use caution in those with a tendency to bleed, low heart rate, gout, or those on interacting medicines. Maintenance aspirin dose should stay within 75–100 mg daily.

To manage expenses, compare ticagrelor generic and brand name options side by side. Ordering ticagrelor tablets 90 mg in a multi‑month supply can lower your per‑month spend. You can set gentle email reminders in your account so your next refill is timely. Choose prompt, express shipping for dependable delivery. Bulk promotions sometimes reduce Brilinta tablet price compared with smaller packs.

Authoritative Sources

Review prescribing details from these sources:

AstraZeneca Brilinta (ticagrelor) product page

Health Canada Drug Product Database: Brilinta Product Monograph

FDA Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for Ticagrelor

Order Ticagrelor from YouDrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express shipping.

This information is educational and does not replace advice from your healthcare professional. Always follow your prescriber’s directions and the medication guide that comes with your prescription.