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What foods should I eat or avoid when taking Brilinta?

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

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Do not drink grapefruit juice while taking Brilinta (ticagrelor). Grapefruit juice can inhibit (block) one of the enzymes (3A4) needed to break down Brilinta for excretion from the body. Theoretically, drinking grapefruit juice with Brilinta may increase the antiplatelet effect of your medicine and increase the risk for bleeding. Ask your doctor about this possible drug-food interaction.

Brilinta (ticagrelor) is an oral antiplatelet prescription tablet that is usually taken twice a day, in the morning and the evening. It is used with a daily maintenance dose of aspirin. It is approved by the FDA for these uses:

Grapefruit juice and Brilinta: Study

In one study, ten healthy volunteers ingested 200 ml of grapefruit juice or water three times a day for 4 days and a single 90 mg dose of ticagrelor on day three.

In general, taking medications at a different time from when you drink grapefruit juice will not prevent the interaction. The effects of grapefruit juice on some medications can last for over 24 hours. Even if you take a medicine that is only given once per day, you should avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice for the entire treatment period.

Related questions

Brilinta and vitamin K: Can I eat spinach with Brilinta?

You do not need to worry about eating green leafy vegetables like spinach, broccoli, kale, or other vitamin K-rich foods with Brilinta. You can enjoy these healthy foods while you are taking Brilinta.

Brilinta, an antiplatelet, works differently from warfarin (brand name: Coumadin), an anticoagulant. Vitamin K is an essential part of our body's blood clotting process. Warfarin effects may be altered by changing levels of vitamin K in your body, but this is not a concern with Brilinta.

What other foods affect Brilinta absorption?

Your Brilinta (ticagrelor) dose can be taken with or without food. Food (other than grapefruit or grapefruit juice) will not affect how well your medication works or the maximum amount that is absorbed. However, be sure to take your medication at the same time each day, only as directed by your doctor.

Bottom Line

References
  • Holmberg M, et al. Grapefruit juice markedly increases the plasma concentrations and antiplatelet effects of ticagrelor in healthy subjects. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2013 Jun; 75(6): 1488–1496. Doi: 10.1111/bcp.12026
  • Brilinta (ticagrelor) [package insert]. Wilmington, DE: AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP; 2020 https://www.azpicentral.com/brilinta/brilinta.pdf
  • Brilinta Approved in the US to Reduce the Risk of Stroke in Patients with an Acute Ischemic Stroke or High-Risk Transient Ischemic Attack Drugs.com. Accessed Nov. 11, 2020 at https://www.drugs.com/newdrugs/brilinta-approved-us-reduce-risk-stroke-patients-acute-ischemic-stroke-risk-transient-ischemic-5379.html

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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