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How long do I have to take Brilinta after a stent or heart attack?

Medically reviewed by Leigh Ann Anderson, PharmD. Last updated on Nov 4, 2024.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Brilinta is typically used for 6 to 12 months, or longer, after a stent or heart attack. It is given with low-dose aspirin to help prevent blood clots. Based on your use, you may receive Brilinta for different amounts of time. Follow your doctor’s orders when taking Brilinta. If you stop taking Brilinta too soon, it can increase your risk of a heart attack, stroke or death.

Brilinta (ticagrelor) is an antiplatelet (P2Y12 inhibitor) type of drug that works by making your platelets less sticky to help prevent blood clots from forming.

Brilinta is used to:

You will usually be prescribed aspirin with Brilinta to reduce the chance of a blood clot forming. Using Brilinta and aspirin together is called “dual antiplatelet therapy”. Do not stop either of these medications without speaking to your doctor first, as that can increase your risk of a heart attack, stroke or death.

Brilinta after a stent

Brilinta after a heart attack

Related questions

Brilinta to prevent a heart attack

In June 2020, Brilinta was approved to reduce the risk of a first heart attack or stroke in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) at high risk for such events.

Brilinta to reduce the risk of stroke of high-risk TIA

Brilinta and surgery

If you are having surgery, your doctor may instruct you to stop taking Brilinta 5 days before your procedure. This will help to lower the chance of bleeding. Follow your doctor’s directions on when to start taking Brilinta again.

Bottom line

This is not all the information you need to know about Brilinta for safe and effective use. Review the full Brilinta information here, and discuss this information and any questions with your doctor or other health care provider.

References

Read next

Is Brilinta a blood thinner or antiplatelet?

Brilinta (generic name: ticagrelor) is an oral antiplatelet prescription tablet for adults that is usually taken twice a day, in the morning and the evening. It is classified as a P2Y12 inhibitor and works by making your platelets less sticky to help prevent blood clots from forming. Continue reading

How long should Brilinta be held/stopped before surgery?

If you are having surgery, your doctor may instruct you to stop taking Brilinta (ticagrelor) 5 days before your procedure. This will help to lower the chance of bleeding. Always follow your doctor’s directions about when to stop or start taking Brilinta again. Continue reading

How long does it take for Brilinta to work?

The manufacturer of Brilinta, AstraZeneca, has shown that platelet inhibition occurs within 30 minutes of taking a loading dose (two 90 mg tablets). However, effects can be variable and further antiplatelet therapy may be needed in some patients based on therapeutic response. Continue reading

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