Generic Ticagrelor Now Available in the US

• Ticagrelor is an antiplatelet medication that prevents blood clots, reducing the risk of serious heart events and stroke in patients with a history of these conditions or those at high risk. A generic version is now available, making it more affordable.
• Ticagrelor works by blocking a receptor on platelets, making them less likely to clump together. It's often used after heart procedures or events and may be prescribed long-term. Never stop taking it without consulting your doctor.
• Brilinta is the brand name for ticagrelor. The generic version contains the same active ingredient, works identically, and has the same dosage. Pharmacies may substitute the generic if allowed by the prescriber, often at a lower cost.
• It's important to discuss ticagrelor with your doctor regarding its purpose, duration of treatment, how to take it, and potential side effects. Do not stop taking it without medical advice, as this can increase the risk of serious complications.

Ticagrelor, also known by its brand name Brilinta, is an antiplatelet medication that helps prevent blood clots from forming in your arteries. The recent availability of a generic version of ticagrelor may make this medication more affordable.

Conditions Treated with Ticagrelor

Prevention of Serious Events

Ticagrelor is prescribed to prevent another heart attack, stroke, or death from clot-related causes in patients who have already experienced a heart attack or acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS): ACS involves a sudden drop in blood flow to the heart, requiring urgent treatment. After such events, the risk of recurrence remains high, and ticagrelor helps reduce this risk.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

Ticagrelor is used in patients with CAD who have not had a heart attack or stroke but are at higher risk due to narrowed arteries. It helps prevent a first heart attack or stroke.

Stroke Prevention

Ticagrelor reduces the risk of another stroke in patients who have had a stroke caused by a blockage or a TIA, often called a “mini-stroke.” A TIA is a warning sign of a potential full stroke, and ticagrelor helps lower this risk.

How Ticagrelor Works

Ticagrelor is a P2Y12 inhibitor, a type of antiplatelet drug. It works by blocking the P2Y12 receptor on platelets, which are tiny parts of your blood that help form clots.

By blocking this receptor, ticagrelor makes it harder for platelets to clump together, reducing the risk of clots forming where they shouldn't.

Combination Therapy: Ticagrelor is often used with low-dose aspirin (baby aspirin) because they work in different ways to reduce clot formation.

Brilinta: Brand Name and Availability

Ticagrelor is sold under the brand name Brilinta. Previously, Brilinta was the only available form of this medication, which often meant a higher cost for patients needing it. The recent introduction of a generic version of ticagrelor means a more affordable option for the same effective treatment.

Dosage and Administration

Brilinta is available as tablets in two strengths: 60 mg and 90 mg. The typical dosage is twice a day, approximately 8 to 12 hours apart, to maintain a consistent level of the medication in your body. You can take Brilinta with or without food.

The medication starts working relatively quickly, usually within about 2 hours after the first dose. The duration of treatment with Brilinta can vary. Some individuals may only need to take it for a limited period, such as 6 to 12 months following a specific heart event or procedure. However, others may require longer-term treatment, potentially even for life, depending on their individual health history and risk factors.

If your treatment plan includes low-dose aspirin, it's important to note that you will typically take aspirin once a day. Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions on how to manage these medications together.

Important Considerations

Because Brilinta's primary action is to prevent blood clots, suddenly stopping the medication can increase your risk of a serious cardiovascular event. Never discontinue Brilinta without first consulting your healthcare provider.

If you have a scheduled surgery, your doctor may advise you to stop taking Brilinta a few days prior, generally about 5 days before the procedure, to minimize the risk of excessive bleeding during the surgery. While the drug itself is typically cleared from your system within approximately 2 days after your last dose, it can take 4 to 5 days for your platelets to return to their normal function.

Is the Generic Version the Same as Brilinta?

Yes, the generic version of Brilinta is essentially the same medication. Both Brilinta and generic ticagrelor contain the exact same active ingredient. This means they work identically in your body.

Generic ticagrelor is available in the same strengths (60 mg and 90 mg tablets) and is taken on the same schedule as Brilinta – usually twice a day, with or without food.

Once a generic is introduced, it can often be substituted at the pharmacy if the prescribing provider allows it.

Key Differences Between Brand Name and Generic

• Manufacturer: Brilinta is produced by the original pharmaceutical company that developed it. Generic versions are manufactured by other approved companies after the original patent expires.
• Appearance: While the active ingredient is the same, the generic tablet might differ in color or contain different inactive ingredients (such as fillers or binders). However, these differences do not affect how the drug works.
• Cost: Generics are typically significantly less expensive than brand-name drugs, often costing around 80-85% less on average. This can improve affordability and help patients adhere to their prescribed treatment.

If you are currently taking Brilinta and start seeing "ticagrelor" on your prescription label, be assured that you are still receiving the same medication. The change is primarily in the name and manufacturer, which often leads to lower costs.

Speak with Your Doctor

If you’ve been prescribed Brilinta or are starting ticagrelor for the first time, it’s important to discuss with your doctor what this medication does and how long you may need to take it.

Whether you’re continuing on the brand version or switching to the generic, your doctor can help you understand what to expect, how to take it properly, and what to watch for.

Don’t stop taking ticagrelor without medical guidance, even if you’re feeling fine. Stopping suddenly can increase your risk of serious complications.

If you have questions about side effects, dosing, cost, or how it fits with your other medications, your provider or pharmacist can walk you through the details and help you stay on track.