Among a plethora of drugs used for those suffering from previous heart attacks and strokes, Brilinta may be one that is recommended by your health professional. So is Brilinta a blood thinner? Or some other type of medication?
As experts in providing medications to thousands of customers, we are well-placed to help you understand what Brilinta is. Plus we’ll answer a wealth of other questions.
Let’s start with a quick answer, then we’ll dive into more details…
Brilinta is a prescription medication within the antiplatelet class of drugs. It works by preventing platelets from sticking together and forming clots in the bloodstream. It can lower the risk of stroke and heart attack in people who have had a recent heart attack or stroke.
Brilinta (ticagrelor) is an antiplatelet medication belonging to a class of drugs known as P2Y12 platelet inhibitors.
This class of drugs is used to reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke in patients with a history of coronary artery disease. This includes those who have experienced angina (chest pain) or have had a previous heart attack.
So let’s define what a blood thinner is, then compare that to what Brilinta is.
What is a blood thinner?
So is Brilinta a blood thinner? Well, blood thinners, also known as anticoagulants, are drugs that help prevent blood clots in the arteries and veins.
Blood thinners are used in a variety of medical conditions, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), atrial fibrillation, pulmonary embolism (PE), and stroke.
You can find out more about atrial fibrillation by checking out our article on What Is Atrial fibrillation.
They are also used to reduce the risk of blood clots forming in the arteries or veins. These can lead to heart attack or stroke.
Brilinta is not a blood thinner in the true sense but is an antiplatelet medication instead. It works by preventing platelets from sticking together and forming clots in the bloodstream.
When taking Brilinta, it is important for patients to follow their doctor’s instructions carefully, as this medication can cause serious side effects.
So, is Brilinta a blood thinner? Let’s clarify this further.
Is Brilinta a Blood Thinner?
Brilinta (ticagrelor) is not a blood thinner, but it works similarly to a blood thinner. It helps prevent blood clots by slowing the rate at which platelets stick together and form clots within arteries. Brilinta prevents the formation of blood clots, but it does not thin the blood like some other medications.
Why Brilinta does not thin the blood
Brilinta does not thin the blood, because it is an antiplatelet drug. It works by binding to a protein in the platelets, called P2Y12, and blocking it from activating or stimulating them. This action helps prevent the platelets from sticking together and forming clots within arteries.
What is Brilinta prescribed for?
Brilinta is used to lower the risk of stroke and heart attack in people who have had a recent heart attack, a stroke, or acute coronary syndrome. It is also prescribed for people with peripheral artery disease to reduce their risk of blood clots forming in the arteries that supply the legs and feet.
Who uses Brilinta?
Brilinta is primarily used to help reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke among patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or with a history of myocardial infarction (heart attack). It is also used for other conditions related to arterial blockages such as peripheral artery disease (PAD).
Arterial blockages are caused by the buildup of plaque in the arteries. Plaque is made up of cholesterol, fat, calcium, and other substances that accumulate on the walls of the arteries.
When plaque builds up, it can restrict or even block blood flow to organs or tissues.
How do you get Brilinta?
Brilinta is typically obtained from a healthcare professional and is available in the form of oral tablets. It is usually taken twice daily with food and is not meant to be used on an as-needed basis.
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If you are prescribed Brilinta, Prescription Hope can help you obtain your medication for a fraction of the cost through our medication access service.
How is Brilinta dispensed?
Although we’ve covered the question is Brilinta a blood thinner, we should also discuss how Brilinta is prescribed.
Brilinta is typically dispensed in tablet form, and the recommended dose is usually 180 mg taken twice daily. It can be taken with or without food. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions when taking this medication as it can help reduce the risk of future heart attack or stroke.
When to use Brilinta?
Brilinta should be taken as directed by your doctor in order to reduce your risk of a heart attack or stroke. It is typically prescribed after an acute coronary syndrome event such as angina, myocardial infarction (heart attack), or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and taken for at least 12 months afterward.
What are the expected results of using Brilinta?
When taken correctly as prescribed, Brilinta should help prevent future events of heart attack or severe chest pain from narrowing arteries. Achieved by slowing down the rate at which platelets stick together and form clots within arteries.
The expected result of taking this medication is a decrease in the number of blood clots that are formed and therefore a reduction in risk for stroke and heart attack.
Other potential benefits of Brilinta may include:
- Helping to keep cholesterol levels under control
- Reducing inflammation
- Improving blood flow to the heart
However, it is important to note that individual results may vary depending on factors such as age, health status, lifestyle habits, and use of other medications.
What other medications does Brilinta interact with?
Patients taking Brilinta should talk to their doctor about any other medications they are taking. This should be done before starting treatment, as some medications may interact with them.
Some examples of medicines that may interact with Brilinta include:
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen
- Warfarin (Coumadin)
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Is Brilinta a blood thinner? – Summing Up
In conclusion, Brilinta is an antiplatelet medication. It’s designed to prevent platelets from sticking together and forming clots in the arteries.
It does not thin the blood like some other medications but works similarly by slowing down the rate at which platelets stick together. The expected results from taking this medication are a reduction in the risk of stroke or heart attack through the prevention of blood clot formation.
