Can you drink alcohol while taking Brilinta?
You should not drink alcohol with Brilinta (ticagrelor) because you will most likely be taking aspirin. Combining aspirin with alcohol can lead to stomach bleeding and ulcers. You should not be started on Brilinta if you have any active bleeding such as a peptic ulcer.
There is no reported drug-drug interaction in the manufacturer's product label between alcohol (ethanol) and Brilinta. However, as a precaution, you should avoid consumption of alcohol while taking Brilinta and aspirin. Drinking alcohol while you are taking aspirin can increase the risk of stomach ulcers or bleeding.
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:
- to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, a heart attack or stroke in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or a history of a heart attack. For at least the first 12 months following ACS, it is superior to clopidogrel.
- to reduce the risk of a clot formation in stents of patients who have been stented for treatment of ACS.
- to reduce the risk of a first heart attack or stroke in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) at high risk for such events.
- to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with acute ischemic stroke (NIH Stroke Scale score ≤5) or high-risk transient ischemic attack (TIA)
Brilinta (ticagrelor) is manufactured by AstraZeneca and was first approved by the FDA in July 2011.
Related questions
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Bottom Line
- You should avoid drinking alcohol while taking aspirin. You can also ask your doctor if it is safe for you to drink alcohol while taking Brilinta and aspirin.
- Tell your health care provider if you have a history of stomach ulcers or digestive tract bleeding.
- Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of bleeding in your stomach or intestines. This includes black, bloody, or tarry stools, or coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
This is not all the information you need to know about Brilinta for safe and effective use. Review the full Brilinta information here, and speak to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.
References
- Aspirin. MedLine Plus. Accessed April 6, 2020 at https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682878.html
- Aspirin and Alcohol / Food Interactions. Drugs.com. Accessed June 2, 2020 at https://www.drugs.com/food-interactions/aspirin.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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Drug information
- Brilinta Information for Consumers
- Brilinta prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Brilinta (detailed)
- Brilinta user reviews (102)
Related support groups
- Brilinta (20 questions, 45 members)