Ticagrelor

Uses of Ticagrelor

Ticagrelor is an antiplatelet medication used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, in certain individuals. Its primary uses include:

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS): To reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction (heart attack), and stroke in people with ACS, including unstable angina and myocardial infarction.

Post-Myocardial Infarction: To prevent recurrent heart attacks in people with a history of myocardial infarction.

Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI): Used in combination with low-dose aspirin to prevent stent thrombosis and other complications post-angioplasty.

High Cardiovascular Risk Patients:mMay be prescribed for individuals with a history of cardiovascular disease to reduce the risk of blood clots forming in the arteries.

Precautions and Warnings

You should not use ticagrelor if you have any active bleeding or a history of bleeding in the brain. Do not use ticagrelor just before heart bypass surgery. Ticagrelor may cause you to bleed more easily, which can be severe or life-threatening. Call your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if you have bleeding that will not stop, black or bloody stools, red or pink urine, or if you cough up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using. Many drugs can interact with ticagrelor. Do not stop taking ticagrelor without first talking to your doctor, even if you have signs of bleeding. Stopping ticagrelor may increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke.

You should not use ticagrelor if you are allergic to it, or if you have  any active bleeding or a history of bleeding in the brain (such as from a head injury).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• a stroke;
• heart problems;
• a surgery or bleeding injury;
• bleeding problems;
• a stomach ulcer or colon polyps;
• liver disease; or
• asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder) or other breathing problem.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not breastfeed while using ticagrelor.

Dosage

The dosage of ticagrelor varies based on the condition being treated. Below are general guidelines, but the specific dosage should always be determined by a healthcare professional:

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS): Initial Dose (Loading Dose): 180 mg orally (two 90 mg tablets) given as a single dose. Maintenance Dose: 90 mg twice daily.

Long-term Prevention of Cardiovascular Events: After 12 months of initial ACS treatment, the dose may be reduced to 60 mg twice daily for continued prevention in high-risk individuals.

Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI):Loading Dose: 180 mg orally before the procedure. Maintenance Dose: 90 mg twice daily post-PCI, along with aspirin.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Feeling sick or indigestion
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Mild rash

Seroius Side Effects:

• Slow heartbeats;
• Nosebleeds, or any bleeding that will not stop;
• Shortness of breath even with mild exertion or while lying down;
• Easy bruising, unusual bleeding, purple or red spots under your skin;
• Red, pink, or brown urine;
• Black, bloody, or tarry stools; or
• Coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds