| Usage |
Ticagrelor is administered in tablet form for oral consumption. Typically, it is taken twice daily with or without food, preferably at consistent times each day. To ensure proper usage, carefully adhere to the instructions on your prescription label, and don't hesitate to seek clarification from your doctor or pharmacist if any aspect remains unclear. Take ticagrelor exactly as prescribed, refraining from adjusting the dosage or frequency without your doctor's approval. If you find it challenging to swallow ticagrelor tablets, an alternative is to crush the tablet and blend it with water. Consume the mixture immediately, followed by refilling the glass with water, stirring, and drinking the mixture once more. If you are utilizing a nasogastric (NG) tube, your healthcare provider or pharmacist will provide instructions on how to prepare and administer ticagrelor through the NG tube.
It's essential to recognize that ticagrelor's effectiveness in safeguarding your heart and blood vessels hinges on consistent medication intake. Even if you feel well, continue taking ticagrelor as prescribed, and do not discontinue its use without consulting your doctor. Halting ticagrelor can significantly elevate the risk of a heart attack or stroke. If you have a stent, discontinuing ticagrelor prematurely also heightens the risk of developing a blood clot within the stent.
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| Side Effects |
Ticagrelor may lead to side effects. Should any of these symptoms prove severe or persistent, it's crucial to inform your doctor:
Dizziness
Nausea
Certain side effects demand immediate attention. If you encounter any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor promptly:
Shortness of breath occurring at rest, following minimal exertion, or after any physical activity
Chest pain
Rapid, slow, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
Ticagrelor could also potentially result in other side effects. If you experience any unusual issues while taking this medication, it's advisable to consult your doctor.
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| Storage |
Store this medication in its original container, tightly sealed, and away from the reach of children. Keep it at room temperature, safeguarded from excessive heat and moisture (avoid storing it in the bathroom).
Proper disposal of unneeded medications is essential to prevent accidental ingestion by pets, children, or others. Do not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, consider participating in a medicine take-back program. To learn about such programs in your community, consult your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department.
Remember that many medication containers, like those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers, may not be child-resistant. Therefore, it's vital to always secure safety caps and promptly place medications in a secure location, out of children's sight and reach.
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| Special Precautions |
Prior to using ticagrelor, it's crucial to discuss the following with your doctor and pharmacist:
1. Allergies: Inform them about any allergies you have, particularly if you're allergic to ticagrelor, other medications, or any components found in ticagrelor tablets. You can find a list of ingredients in the Medication Guide or by consulting your pharmacist.
2. Medications: Provide a complete list of all prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal products you are currently taking or planning to take. Pay special attention to the medications listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section. Mention any of the following if applicable: antibiotics like clarithromycin (Biaxin, in PrevPak) and telithromycin (Ketek); antifungal medications such as itraconazole (Onmel, Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral), and voriconazole (Vfend); cholesterol-lowering medications like lovastatin (Altoprev, in Advisor) and simvastatin (Zocor, in Simcor, in Vytorin); digoxin (Lanoxin); high blood pressure medications; HIV medications like atazanavir (Reyataz, in Evotaz), indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept), ritonavir (Norvir, in Kaletra, in Viekira Pak), and saquinavir (Invirase); seizure medications such as carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol, others), phenobarbital, and phenytoin (Dilantin); nefazodone; and rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, in Rifamate, in Rifater). Your doctor may need to modify your medication dosages or conduct thorough monitoring to watch for any potential side effects.
3. Lung Disease: If you have a history of any lung disease, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma, make sure to inform your doctor.
4. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Notify your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. In the event of pregnancy while using ticagrelor, contact your doctor immediately.
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