You should not use Brilinta if you have any active bleeding (including a bleeding stomach ulcer), or a history of bleeding in the brain. Do not use this medicine just before heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).
You may need to stop using this medicine for a short time before having surgery or dental work, to prevent excessive bleeding. Do not stop taking Brilinta without first talking to your doctor, even if you have signs of bleeding. Stopping this medicine may increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Brilinta may cause you to bleed more easily, which can be severe or life-threatening. Avoid activities that may increase your risk of bleeding or injury.
Call your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if you have bleeding that will not stop. You may also have bleeding on the inside of your body, such as in your stomach or intestines. Call your doctor at once if you have black or bloody stools, red or pink urine, or if you cough up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds. These could be signs of internal bleeding.
Many drugs (including some over-the-counter medicines and herbal products) can cause serious medical problems if you take them with Brilinta. It is very important to tell your doctor about all medicines you have recently used.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Brilinta if you are allergic to ticagrelor, 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;
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; or
It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It is not known whether Brilinta passes into breastmilk. Talk to your doctor before using Brilinta if you are breastfeeding.
How should I take Brilinta?
Take Brilinta exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Brilinta is taken together with aspirin. Use these medicines exactly as directed.
Do not take more aspirin than your doctor has prescribed. Taking too much aspirin can make Brilinta less effective.
Take this medicine at the same time each day, with or without food.
If you cannot swallow a tablet whole, crush the pill and mix it with water. Stir and drink this mixture right away. Add more water to the glass, stir, and drink right away.
Brilinta keeps your blood from coagulating (clotting) and can make it easier for you to bleed, even from a minor injury. Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if you have any bleeding that will not stop.
To prevent excessive bleeding, you may need to stop using Brilinta for a short time before a surgery, medical procedure, or dental work. Any healthcare provider who treats you should know that you are taking ticagrelor.
Do not stop taking Brilinta without first talking to your doctor, even if you have signs of bleeding. Stopping the medicine could increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Ticagrelor may affect medical testing for platelets in your blood and you may have false results. Tell the laboratory staff that you use Brilinta.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
