Brilinta is prescribed to cover a number of risks concerning heart disease. But alongside simply being prescribed the medication, it’s good that patients understand what to avoid when taking Brilinta.
As providers of over 1500 medications from over 180 suppliers, we are well placed to discuss the topic of what to avoid when taking Brilinta.
With that in mind, let’s begin with a quick overview of what to avoid when taking Brilinta and then head into further detail, as well as some related topic areas on this subject.
When taking Brilinta, you should look to avoid alcohol, large quantities of caffeine, grapefruit juice, strenuous activity, large amounts of Vitamin E, overexposure to sunlight, and smoking. And be sure to check with your doctor regarding other medications that you may be taking.
Let’s dive into more in-depth details on Brilinta, and what to avoid when taking Brilinta.
What to avoid when taking Brilinta:
So we can be clear on what to avoid, let’s first be clear on what Brilinta is and who would take Brilinta…
Brilinta is a blood thinner used as an anticoagulant and prescribed to patients for the prevention of stroke or heart attack.
Brilinta works by blocking platelets from clumping together within the bloodstream. This “clumping” could form dangerous blockages due to plaque buildup.
People who take Brilinta, therefore, are at risk for excessive bleeding should they become injured.
Now let’s head into the list of what to avoid…
1. Avoid drinking alcohol
When taking Brilinta, you should avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol can cause a serious increase in the risk of bleeding or an upset stomach.
The ingredients in alcohol will also inhibit the effectiveness of the medication, meaning that it could be less effective in preventing blood clots.
Alcohol is also to be avoided for similar medications such as Pradaxa, Eliquis, and Xarelto.
2. Avoid any other medications
Other medications that are not approved by your doctor while taking Brilinta should also be avoided. They may interact with the drug and lead to unwanted side effects or additional health risks.
These types of side effects could include headaches, low blood pressure, and dizziness.
Also, do not take aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) while taking Brilinta, as they can interfere with the effectiveness of the medication and increase the risk of severe complications such as internal bleeding or stroke.
3. Avoid grapefruit and related products
Avoid grapefruit juice, and also any products containing grapefruit extract while using Brilinta. These can interact with the drug and increase the risk of serious side effects.
Avoid grapefruit and related products.
Grapefruit is known to interact with medications, including Brilinta. So you should avoid drinking grapefruit juice or eating large amounts of fresh fruit while taking this drug.
The natural compounds found in grapefruit may affect how much medication is absorbed by your body. This can lead to dangerous levels of medication in your blood which can cause serious side effects.
4. Avoid caffeine while taking Brilinta
Caffeine may decrease the effectiveness of the medication and cause unpleasant side effects such as dizziness or headache.
Also, caffeine is a stimulant and Brilinta can cause drowsiness, so it’s best to avoid caffeine while taking the drug.
If you do wish to drink coffee, tea, or other caffeinated beverages while taking Brilinta, we suggest limiting your intake to one cup a day.
5. Avoid smoking cigarettes
Smoking cigarettes, or using any other form of tobacco while taking Brilinta. This increases your risk of developing a blood clot or having a stroke.
It can increase the risk of bleeding or an upset stomach. The nicotine found in cigarettes could affect how well the medication works, meaning that it may not be as effective in preventing blood clots.
6. Avoid drinking large amounts of water
Avoid large amounts of water, or any other beverages while taking Brilinta. This can affect how the medication is absorbed by your body and increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness or headaches.
Water is also known to interact with medications, so it’s best to avoid drinking large amounts of water while taking Brilinta.
7. Avoid strenuous physical activity
Engaging in strenuous activity without first consulting your doctor, as this can lead to an increased heart rate and increased usage of Brilinta which can be dangerous for the body.
When we undertake strenuous activity, our heart rate increases and so too does the usage of Brilinta, meaning that more dangerous levels can be reached if the appropriate steps are not taken.
8. Avoid taking large doses of Vitamin E
High levels of vitamin E can increase the risk of bleeding when taking Brilinta, so it’s important to not take any more than necessary.
Vitamin E is found in many foods, including greens like spinach and kale, nuts and seeds, vegetable oils, fruits such as kiwi and apricots, and fortified cereals.
9. Avoid direct sunlight
You should avoid direct sunlight for extended periods of time while taking Brilinta. Sun exposure can interfere with how the medication works, making it less effective in preventing blood clots.
This is not true of all patients all of the time. But it has been highlighted as a potential risk by other medical sources.
10. Avoid supplements
Brilinta can interact with certain other drugs or supplements, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These types of medications have been linked to an increased risk of bleeding, so it’s important to avoid them when taking Brilinta.
Finally…
11. Avoid missing doses of Brilinta
Talk to your doctor if you are having difficulty keeping up with your medication. Taking the drug regularly and as prescribed is key to its effectiveness.
You will often be issued with guidance on dosage, as well as reminders for taking your medication on schedule, so make sure you follow this advice closely.
What to avoid when taking Brilinta – Summary
In conclusion, when taking Brilinta it is important to avoid alcohol, large quantities of caffeine, grapefruit juice, strenuous activity, large amounts of Vitamin E, overexposure to sunlight, and smoking.
Be sure to check with your doctor about other medications and supplements that might interact with Brilinta, and make sure you take your doses as prescribed.
Follow these precautions to ensure the effectiveness of Brilinta in preventing blood clots and other unwanted side effects.
Next steps
If you are struggling to avoid your medications, then Prescription Hope can help. Through our medication access service, you may be able to obtain your medications for as little $60.00 per month through Prescription Hope’s medication access service per medication.
