Brilinta is an oral tablet made up of ticagrelor (platelet aggregation inhibitors) and is known internationally as Brilique. This medication is available in 60mg and 90mg doses.

Brilinta is a blood thinner used usually with asipirin for the prevention of platelets (cell fragment in the blood) from sticking together. When platelets stick together they create blood clots that could potentially turn fatal if it blocks an artery. Brilinta helps reduce cardiovascular death and heart attack in patients who suffer from ACS (acute coronary syndromes). Brilinta also is used to decrease the chance of stroke, serious heart problems, or death after you've had a heart attack or severe chest pain (angina).

Always follow directions given to you by your doctor. Never take more or less of a dosage than directed and do not stop taking this medication before consulting your doctor.

Taking too much aspirin with Brilinta can cause effectiveness to decrease.

Take this medication around the same time every day to help ensure you do not miss a dose.

You may take this medication with or without food.

You may crush the pill if you cannot swallow it whole. Add the crushed pill into water and drink right away. Once you have finished the glass of water (containing the pill) add more water and repeat once more to ensure you got the entire dose.

Store at room temperature away from heat and moisture.

Tell your doctor about all medications you are currently taking including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, and herbal remedies. Also be sure to mention any drug allergies you may have.

Important conditions to mention to your doctor before taking Brilinta:

• any active bleeding; or

• a history of bleeding in the brain (such as from a head injury).

• a stroke;

• heart problems;

• high cholesterol;

• bleeding problems;

• a stomach ulcer or colon polyps;

• liver disease or kidney disease;

• asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder), or other breathing problems;

• recent surgery or serious injuries; or

• if you are planning to have surgery or a dental procedure

It is not known whether or not this medication will harm an unborn baby or if it passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor to learn more about the risks of using this medication while breast feeding or pregnant.

Since this medication is a blood thinner, you may bleed more when injured. If you are excessively bleeding, contact your doctor. Since this medication can cause excessive bleeding, do not have surgery while on Brilinta.

Common side effects of Brilinta include:

• bruising

• bleeding more easily

• nosebleeds

• headache

• dizziness

• cough

• nausea

• diarrhea

• irregular heartbeat

• high blood pressure

• back pain

• low blood pressure

• fatigue, and

• chest pain.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

• severe bleeding or uncontrollable bleeding,

• shortness of breath,

• colored urine (pink, red, or brown),

• red or black stools (looks like tar),

• coughing or vomiting that produces blood or blood clots, or

• vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

What is Ticagrelor?

This medication is used along with a low-dose aspirin to help prevent heart attacks and strokes in people that have certain heart problems such as angina, or a previous heart attack.  It may also prevent blood clots after certain heart surgeries, such as a stent placement. When put to work this medication blocks platelets from sticking together and helps stop them from forming harmful clots, but overall it keeps the blood flowing smoothly throughout your body. Brilinta is the brand name while Ticagrelor is the generic. It comes in two different doses which are 60mg and 90mg and it is known as Brilique on a international level. If you have any questions regarding this medication or any inquires in general, feel free to give us a call at 1-877-385-8998.

Which is better, Plavix or Brilinta?

While they are similar it was found through a sub-study of the PLATO trial, has shown that Brilinta was better than Plavix in preventing heart attacks, strokes, and deaths from heart disease in people with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Brilinta also works faster and has a reversible mode of action. It is also known to have a better platelet inhibition and patient outcomes compared to Plavix.