Protection against blood clots in the heart and brain! Let's learn about Ticagrelor?

Have you ever had a heart attack? Or has someone you love ever had one? Or have you ever heard of a stroke? These are really serious health problems, aren't they? Well, sometimes these problems are caused by the formation of blood clots in our blood vessels. Today we are going to talk about a special medicine that helps stop the formation of such blood clots. Its name is Ticagrelor.

What kind of medicine is Ticagrelor?

Simply put, Ticagrelor is an anti-platelet drug. Now you might be wondering what platelets are. These are tiny cells in our blood. Normally, when we get injured, these platelets clump together to form a blood clot. That's good.

However, in some people, especially those with coronary artery disease, which means chest pain, a heart attack, or a previous stroke or mini-stroke, these platelets can clump together and form blood clots inside the blood vessels. That's very dangerous. Because those blood clots can reduce or completely block blood flow to the heart and brain. That's when things like heart attacks and strokes happen.

So, what Ticagrelor does is prevent platelets from clumping together and forming blood clots. This can help reduce your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. This medication also comes under the brand name BRILINTA. Your doctor may have prescribed it under this name.

This medicine may also be used for other purposes, so if you have any questions, it's best to ask your doctor or pharmacist.

What are the things I need to tell the doctor before starting this medication?

Before you start using Ticagrelor, there are some conditions that you should definitely tell your doctor about. This medicine is not suitable for everyone. If you have any of the following conditions, you should definitely tell your doctor :

• Bleeding disorders: Do you have a condition that makes you bleed easily and is difficult to stop? For example, does bleeding not stop even from a small cut?
• Have you ever had a brain hemorrhage? If you've ever had one before, you should tell me.
• Do you have colon polyps? These are small growths that form inside the colon.
• Are you having surgery soon? Or are you done?
• Heartbeat irregularities: Do you ever have times when your heart beats unusually fast, slow, or irregularly?
• Have you ever had stomach bleeding? If you have had any bleeding in the past, either from a stomach ulcer or for any other reason, tell us about it.
• Liver disease: Do you have any liver disease? Because the liver helps remove drugs from the body.
• Lung diseases: Do you have any diseases that cause breathing difficulties, such as asthma or COPD?
• Have you had a serious injury? Has there been a recent major accident?
• Sleep apnea: Do you feel like you stop breathing for short periods of time while you sleep? Is it accompanied by snoring?
• Stomach ulcers: Are there any ulcers that come with stomach inflammation?
• Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Have you had a previous stroke or similar symptoms?
• Are you taking any other medications that prevent blood clotting? For example, warfarin.
• Have you ever had an allergic reaction to ticagrelor, other medications, foods, or dyes? Things like hives, itching, and swelling.
• Are you pregnant? Or are you trying to get pregnant?
• Are you a breastfeeding mother?

It is very important to tell your doctor about these things. Then he can decide whether it is appropriate to give you this medicine or not, or change the dose.

Okay, now how do you use this properly?

This medicine comes in pill form. It is to be taken orally.

• The tablet can be swallowed whole. Swallow with a glass of water.
• If you have difficulty swallowing, you can also crush the pill and dissolve it in a glass of water. Crush the pill, put the powder in a glass of water, stir well, and drink it immediately. Then add some more water to the same glass, stir again, and drink that too. That way, all the medicine will be absorbed into your body.
• You can take this with or without food. However, if you feel upset stomach, it is better to take it with food.
• The most important thing is to take the correct dose, at the correct time, exactly as your doctor prescribed. Don't miss a single day.
• Skipping doses or stopping the medication suddenly without telling your doctor can increase your risk of developing another blood clot or having a stroke. So keep taking this medication until your doctor tells you to stop.

When you get this medicine from the pharmacy, you will be given a special instruction leaflet ``MedGuide`` with it. Read this leaflet carefully every time you get your medicine and when you get a refill. It contains a lot of important information for you.

Special care should be taken when giving this medicine to children, so talk to your doctor about it.

Warning: If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, you should immediately go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call a poison control center.

This medicine is only for you.Do not give it to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you.

What do you do if you miss a medication appointment?

If this happens, take the dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time.

Other medications that may interact with this medicine

There are some medications that can cause problems when taken with Ticagrelor. That is, they may decrease or increase the effectiveness of Ticagrelor, or increase the side effects.

The following medications should never be taken with Ticagrelor:

• Avanafil `(Avanafil)`
• Defibrotide
• Itraconazole (this is an antifungal, but this particular one should not be taken with ticagrelor)

You should also be very careful when taking the following medications with Ticagrelor. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking these:

• Aspirin (we'll talk about this in a bit)
• Some types of antibiotics: for example, clarithromycin, telithromycin, rifampin.
• Some antiviral medications used for HIV or AIDS: For example, atazanavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir.
• Some medications used to lower cholesterol: For example, lovastatin and simvastatin. (These are especially effective when taken in doses greater than 40mg.)
• Some medications for fungal infections: For example, ketoconazole and voriconazole. (Remember, I said earlier not to take itraconazole at all.)
• Some medications that are given to treat seizures: for example, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and phenytoin.
• Digoxin (a medicine for heart disease)
• Opioid pain medication.
• Nefazodone (this is a medicine for depression)

This list is not complete. There may be other medications. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you take (prescribed or over-the-counter), herbs you use, and dietary supplements you take. Also, tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs. Some of these things can interact with your medication.

What should you be especially careful about when taking `(Ticagrelor)`?

There are a few things you need to be a little more careful about when taking this medicine.

• See the doctor often:Check in with your doctor regularly to see how your condition is and whether the medication is working properly. Don't miss your appointments.
• Increased risk of bleeding and bruising: This medicine may make you bruise more easily and cause more bleeding from even a minor injury. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any unusual bleeding (e.g., nosebleeds, bleeding gums, bloody urine, or black stools).
• Avoid sports and activities that can cause injury: While taking this medicine, if you get a big cut, internal bleeding may occur, and it may not be visible from the outside. Therefore, stay away from sports and activities that can cause falls and injuries.
• Be careful when using sharp tools: Be very careful when using things like knives and scissors. When shaving, use an electric razor if possible.
• Be careful when brushing and flossing: brush slowly to avoid injuring your gums.
• If you see any wounds, bruises, or red spots on your skin, tell your doctor .
• If you are going to have surgery or any other medical procedure, be sure to tell your doctor /surgeon that you are taking this medicine. They may ask you to stop taking the medicine a few days before the surgery.
• Tell your dentist : If you are going to have dental treatment or dental surgery, tell your dentist that you are taking this medicine. Major dental surgery is not usually performed while taking this medicine. If possible, have your teeth checked and any problems corrected before starting this medicine. Take good care of your teeth while taking this medicine and see your dentist regularly.
• Aspirin: Your doctor may tell you to take an aspirin tablet daily along with ticagrelor. However, do not take more than 100 milligrams (100mg) of aspirin per day. Only take the amount your doctor tells you to take.
• Wear a medical ID: Whether it's a bracelet on your wrist or a chain around your neck, carry a card with details about your medical condition and the medications you take. It can be very helpful in an emergency.

Are there any side effects? What are they?

Like any medicine, Ticagrelor can cause side effects in some people. Not everyone gets them, but they can happen.

Serious side effects that you should tell your doctor immediately:

These are a bit serious, so you should seek medical advice immediately if you see anything like this:

• Allergic reactions: Skin rash, itching, or hives; swelling of the face, lips, or tongue.
• Bleeding:
• Bloody or black, tarry stools.
• Red or dark brown urine.
• Vomiting something brown, like blood or coffee grounds.
• Red spots on the skin.
• Unusual or frequent bleeding or bruising from the eyes, gums, or nose.
• Changes in heart rhythm: difficulty breathing; chest pain; dizziness; irregular heartbeat; fainting, dizziness.
• Difficulty breathing, especially during sleep: rapid breathing followed by slow breathing; short pauses between breaths; loud snoring.

Side effects that are common, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist:

These may not be serious and will usually go away in a few days. But if they persist or bother you, tell your doctor :

• Diarrhea
• Headache (here "" should be used) - Headache
• Nausea
• Tiredness

This list may not include all side effects. If you notice anything else unusual, ask your doctor about it.

How to store medicine safely?

• Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Store at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius / 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Protect from light. Keep the medicine bottle/packet tightly closed.
• Do not use expired medications. Throw them away.

How do you dispose of unused, expired medicine?

This is also important. Simply throwing it in the trash or flushing it down the toilet is not appropriate for all medications.

• Take these to places that have medication take-back programs. You can find out about such places at your pharmacy or the police.
• If there is no way to return it, check the medicine label or packet to see if it has instructions on how to throw the medicine in the trash or flush it down the toilet. If you are unsure, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
• If it says it's safe to throw in the trash, take the medication out of the package or bottle and mix it with something useless, like used cat litter, soil, coffee grounds, etc. Then put the mixture in a bag or container, seal it tightly, and throw it in the trash.

Finally, things to remember (Take-Home Message)

Okay, we've talked a lot about Ticagrelor, haven't we? This is actually an important drug that helps protect your heart and brain from blood clots.

Simply put, using this medicine correctly can greatly reduce your chances of having another heart attack or stroke.

But remember,

• Take your medicine exactly as the doctor tells you, on time, and don't miss a single day.
• Do not stop taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
• Tell your doctor about all other medications and herbs you are taking.
• Be aware of any signs of bleeding , and if you see anything like that, tell your doctor immediately.
• Be careful of work that could cause injury.
• Before surgery, tell the doctor that you are taking this medicine.

If you have any further questions about this medicine, don't hesitate to ask your doctor or pharmacist. They will help you. The most important thing is to take care of your health!

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