Ticagrelor oral tablet

What is this medicine?

TICAGRELOR (TYE ka GREL or) helps to prevent blood clots. This medicine is used to prevent heart attack, stroke, or other vascular events in people who have had a recent heart attack or who have severe chest pain. It is also used to lower the chance of stroke or heart attack in people with a medical condition called coronary artery disease.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• fast or irregular heartbeat

• feeling faint or light-headed, falls

• signs and symptoms of bleeding such as bloody or black, tarry stools; red or dark-brown urine; spitting up blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds; red spots on the skin; unusual bruising or bleeding from the eye, gums, or nose

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• breast enlargement in both males and females

• diarrhea

• dizziness

• headache

• tiredness

• upset stomach

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• defibrotide

• itraconazole

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• aspirin

• certain antibiotics like clarithromycin, telithromycin, and rifampin

• certain antiviral medicines for HIV or AIDS like atazanavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, and saquinavir

• certain medicines for cholesterol like lovastatin and simvastatin

• certain medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole and voriconazole

• certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and phenytoin

• digoxin

• narcotic medicines for pain

• nefazodone

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature of 59 to 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• bleeding disorders

• bleeding in the brain

• having surgery

• history of irregular heartbeat

• history of stomach bleeding

• liver disease

• an unusual or allergic reaction to ticagrelor, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your healthcare professional for regular checks on your progress. Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine. It is important not to miss any appointments.

Notify your doctor or health care professional and seek emergency treatment if you develop breathing problems; changes in vision; chest pain; severe, sudden headache; pain, swelling, warmth in the leg; trouble speaking; sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg. These can be signs that your condition has gotten worse.

If you are going to have surgery or dental work, tell your doctor or health care professional that you are taking this medicine.

You should take aspirin every day with this medicine. Do not take more than 100 mg each day. Talk to your healthcare professional if you have questions.