Aspirin+ticagrelor
About Aspirin+ticagrelor
Aspirin+ticagrelor is a combination prescription medicine used to reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes, in patients with a history of heart disease or acute coronary syndrome. Its primary medical purpose is to prevent blood cells from sticking together and forming harmful clots in your blood vessels, keeping your blood flowing smoothly. This medicine helps protect patients who have recently suffered a heart attack or had a stent placed in their heart arteries.
To ensure continuous protection, you must take Aspirin+ticagrelor daily and consistently, exactly as your doctor prescribes. This oral tablet can be taken with or without food, but taking it at the same time every day helps maintain a steady level of the medicine in your body. Along with taking this medicine, incorporating heart-healthy lifestyle changes—such as eating a low-salt diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and performing light physical activity—can significantly improve your long-term health outcomes.
Like all medicines, Aspirin+ticagrelor can cause side effects, with easy bruising and mild bleeding being the most common. You should consult your doctor immediately if you experience severe or uncontrolled bleeding, blood in your urine or stools, or sudden shortness of breath. Because this medicine slows down your body's ability to form clots, even minor cuts may take longer than usual to stop bleeding.
Talk to your doctor before starting this medicine if you have a history of asthma, gout, stomach ulcers, or liver damage. Do not take this if you are currently experiencing any active internal bleeding, such as a bleeding stomach ulcer, or if you have previously had bleeding in your brain.
This medicine can interact with other substances, especially blood thinners, certain pain relievers like ibuprofen, and alcohol, which can significantly raise your risk of stomach bleeding. Specific groups, including pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and elderly individuals, must consult their healthcare provider before using Aspirin+ticagrelor to weigh the benefits against potential risks.
Uses of Aspirin+ticagrelor
Medicinal Benefits
This medicine brings several key health benefits:
- Reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke: The primary benefit of Aspirin+ticagrelor is its ability to provide dual protection against life-threatening cardiovascular events. It significantly lowers the chances of experiencing another heart attack or stroke, giving you peace of mind during your recovery.
- Keeps stents open: For patients who have undergone stent procedures, this medicine ensures that the stent remains open and functional. Preventing clot formation on the stent surface reduces the need for emergency repeat procedures and supports a safer, more stable recovery period.
Directions for Use
- Aspirin+ticagrelor can be taken with or without food, as advised by your doctor.
- Your doctor will decide the dosage and timing of this medication based on your medical condition.
- Swallow the whole Aspirin+ticagrelor with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, chew, or break it.
Storage
Side Effects of Aspirin+ticagrelor
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Bruising easily or minor skin bleeding
- Nosebleeds or bleeding from the gums that takes longer to stop
- Mild shortness of breath, especially when starting the medicine
- Upset stomach, mild indigestion, or heartburn
Serious Side Effects (Consult your doctor right away):
- Uncontrolled, severe, or persistent bleeding that you cannot stop
- Coughing up blood or vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds
- Pink, red, or dark brown urine, or black, tarry stools
- Sudden, severe headache, confusion, or difficulty speaking
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of your face, lips, or throat, or severe hives and trouble breathing
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Inform your healthcare providers: Tell any doctor, surgeon, or dentist you visit that you are taking Aspirin+ticagrelor before scheduling any medical or dental procedures, as you may need to stop taking it temporarily to prevent excess bleeding.
- Do not stop treatment on your own: Do not stop taking Aspirin+ticagrelor on your own, even if you experience minor bleeding or bruising, as stopping this medicine abruptly can trigger a sudden heart attack or stroke.
- Monitor for unusual bruising: Regularly check your skin for unusual, dark bruises or tiny purple-red spots, and notify your healthcare provider if you notice any unexplained markings.
- Carry a medical alert: Carry a medical alert card in your wallet or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you take Aspirin+ticagrelor (dual antiplatelet therapy) in case of an emergency.
- Check before taking new medicines: Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new over-the-counter drugs, especially cold remedies, pain relievers, or herbal supplements.
Drug Interactions
Inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines, as they may interact.
- Other Blood Thinners: Taking this medicine with warfarin, heparin, or other oral blood thinners can severely increase your risk of major bleeding.
- Pain Relievers (NSAIDs): Medicines like ibuprofen, naproxen, or high-dose aspirin can irritate the stomach and increase the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding.
- Certain Anti-seizure and Anti-fungal Medicines: Drugs such as ketoconazole or phenytoin can alter how your body processes this medicine, either increasing the risk of bleeding or making the treatment less effective.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid consumption of alcohol as it may increase dizziness.
Pregnancy
cautionIt is not advised to use Aspirin+ticagrelor when pregnant. Please consult a doctor, your doctor may prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionAspirin+ticagrelor should be used in nursing mothers only if clinically needed, and the benefits outweigh the risks. Please consult the doctor.
Driving
cautionAspirin+ticagrelor may cause drowsiness and dizziness, so drive or operate machinery only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionCaution should be exercised while using Aspirin+ticagrelor in patients suffering from liver impairment. Please consult a doctor. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Kidney
cautionCaution should be exercised while using Aspirin+ticagrelor in patients suffering from kidney impairment. Please consult a doctor. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Children
cautionThe safety and efficacy of Aspirin+ticagrelor in children have not been demonstrated. For further information, please contact your doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Follow a heart-healthy diet: Eat a heart-healthy diet low in saturated fats, cholesterol, and sodium, and rich in fibre, vegetables, and whole grains to support your blood vessels.
- Limit alcohol: Limit or avoid alcohol consumption, as alcohol can irritate your stomach lining and greatly increase your risk of internal stomach bleeding when combined with this medicine.
- Avoid activities with a high risk of injury: Avoid contact sports or activities with a high risk of falls and injuries, as minor bumps can lead to severe bruising or internal bleeding.
- Reduce the risk of cuts: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and shave with an electric razor rather than a manual blade to minimise the risk of cuts and bleeding.
- Quit smoking: If you smoke, seek help to quit. Smoking damages your blood vessels, speeds up arterial clogging, and directly counteracts the protective benefits of Aspirin+ticagrelor.
Special Advise
You are advised to regularly undergo blood clotting tests like D-Dimer and PT (prothrombin) tests to assess the bleeding time.
Inform your doctor if you are due to undergo any surgery or dental procedure.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Heart attack: A heart attack is a critical medical emergency in which the blood supply to the heart is blocked, typically by a blood clot. Signs of a heart attack include chest pain, pain in other parts of the body, sweating, shortness of breath, nausea, fatigue and anxiety.
Stroke: A stroke is a life-threatening medical illness that occurs when the blood flow to a portion of the brain is interrupted. Brain cells begin to die when blood supply is reduced or terminated. This can result in brain injury, disability, and even death.
FAQs
Aspirin+ticagrelor is used to prevent heart attack and stroke.
Aspirin+ticagrelor prevents platelets from aggregating, thereby minimising the formation of dangerous blood clots. This lowers the chances of having a heart attack or stroke.
Aspirin+ticagrelor may increase the risk of bleeding. Exercise caution when performing daily tasks such as shaving, cutting fingernails, or using sharp instruments. Inform your doctor if you are due to undergo any surgical procedure.
Yes, you can get vaccinated while on Aspirin+ticagrelor. However, it would be better to tell your doctor or nurse that you're taking an antiplatelet medication.
Avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking Aspirin+ticagrelor since it may increase the effectiveness of Aspirin+ticagrelor. This elevates the chances of bleeding more easily.
You are recommended to avoid alcohol, grapefruit juice, and medications like apixaban or other anticoagulants while taking Aspirin+ticagrelor, as they increase bleeding risk. If you still have any concerns, discuss with your doctor.
Use of Aspirin+ticagrelor during menstruation may increase the risk of heavier or prolonged bleeding due to its blood-thinning effects. Therefore, please take your doctor’s advice before taking Aspirin+ticagrelor.
Brilinta 90 contains only ticagrelor, while Aspirin+ticagrelor is a combination of two components as aspirin and ticagrelor used to prevent blood clots.
Your doctor decides the best time to take Aspirin+ticagrelor. Take it with or without food as advised. Follow your doctor's instructions regarding the timing and dosage for effective results.
Aspirin+ticagrelor causes side effects such as mild indigestion, pain and swelling in the joints, headache, dizziness, nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, and mild rash. However, please consult a doctor if these persist for longer durations.
No. You should never stop taking Aspirin+ticagrelor without your doctor's direct guidance. Stopping this medicine early, especially after a heart attack or stent placement, greatly increases your risk of developing a dangerous blood clot that could cause another heart attack. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.
Many common pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen can increase your risk of stomach bleeding when combined with Aspirin+ticagrelor. Acetaminophen is generally considered a safer option for mild pain, but you should always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new pain medication.
Shortness of breath is a known side effect of one of the active ingredients in Aspirin+ticagrelor. It is usually mild and often improves over time. However, because shortness of breath can also be a sign of a heart issue, you should talk to your doctor to ensure it is not a symptom of a more serious condition.
It is highly recommended to avoid or strictly limit alcohol while taking this medicine. Alcohol irritates your stomach lining and increases the risk of internal bleeding, which is a potential complication of Aspirin+ticagrelor. Talk to your doctor about your alcohol intake.
Because Aspirin+ticagrelor prevents blood clotting, even minor cuts will bleed longer than usual. Apply firm, continuous pressure with a clean cloth for at least 10 to 15 minutes. If the bleeding does not stop after this time, or if the cut is deep or near your eye, seek immediate medical help.
Aspirin+ticagrelor is generally not recommended during pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester, as it can harm the unborn baby and cause bleeding complications during delivery. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor immediately about safer alternatives.
Yes, you may need to stop taking Aspirin+ticagrelor temporarily before dental extractions or surgeries to prevent excessive bleeding. However, you must never make this decision on your own. Always consult both your dentist and your cardiologist before pausing your medication.
Yes, this medicine can cause uric acid levels to rise in some patients, which can trigger a gout flare-up. If you experience sudden, severe pain, swelling, or redness in your joints—especially your big toe—talk to your doctor right away.
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