Ticagrelor

IMPORTANT WARNING:

Ticagrelor is used along with aspirin to prevent serious problems with the heart and blood vessels in people who have had a heart attack or severe chest pain. Ticagrelor is in a class of medications called antiplatelet medications. It works by preventing platelets (a type of blood cell) from collecting and forming clots that may cause a heart attack or stroke.

Ticagrelor comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food two times a day. Take ticagrelor at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take ticagrelor exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Ticagrelor will help prevent serious problems with your heart and blood vessels only as long as you take the medication. Continue to take ticagrelor even if you feel well. Do not stop taking ticagrelor without talking to your doctor. If you stop taking ticagrelor, there is a higher risk that you may have a heart attack or stroke. If you have a stent (small tube placed in an artery to improve blood flow), there is also a higher risk that you could develop a blood clot in the stent if you stop taking ticagrelor too soon.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Before taking ticagrelor,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to ticagrelor, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in ticagrelor tablets. Ask your pharmacist or check the Medication Guide for a list of the ingredients.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention the medications listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section and any of the following: certain antibiotics such as clarithromycin (Biaxin, in PrevPak) and telithromycin (Ketek); antifungal medications such as itraconazole (Sporanox, Onmel), ketoconazole (Nizoral), and voriconazole (Vfend); certain cholesterol-lowering medications such as lovastatin (Mevacor, Altoprev) and simvastatin (Zocor, in Vytorin); dexamethasone; digoxin (Lanoxin); medications for high blood pressure; medications for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) such as atazanavir (Reyataz), indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept), ritonavir (Norvir, in Kaletra), and saquinavir (Invirase); certain medications for seizures such as carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol, Equetro), phenobarbital, and phenytoin (Dilantin); nefazodone; and rifampin (Rifadin, Rifamate, Rifater). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any type of lung disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; a group of diseases that affect the lungs and airways) or asthma.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking ticagrelor, call your doctor.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Ticagrelor may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• headache

• back pain

• cough

• dizziness

• nausea

• diarrhea

• tiredness

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately:

• shortness of breath

• chest pain

• fast, slow, pounding, or irregular heartbeat

Ticagrelor may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

• bleeding

• nausea

• vomiting

• diarrhea

• irregular heartbeat

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to ticagrelor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Last Revised - 04/15/2012