Increased Risk of Bleeding
Brilinta works by blocking platelet activation and preventing blood clots from forming. It does this by inhibiting the P2Y12 receptor, a key component involved in platelet aggregation.
Because Brilinta reduces the blood’s ability to clot, it can increase the risk of bleeding. Bleeding may occur more easily and may take longer than usual to stop.
The risk of bleeding may be higher in people with certain medical conditions, including:
- Liver disease
- Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)
- Uremia
- Other conditions that increase the risk of bleeding
Before starting Brilinta, discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider so they can determine whether the benefits of treatment outweigh the potential risks.
Aspirin Dosage
Brilinta is often prescribed together with aspirin. However, taking maintenance doses of aspirin greater than 100 mg daily may reduce the effectiveness of Brilinta.
After the initial aspirin loading dose, most patients should take a maintenance aspirin dose of:
- 75 mg to 100 mg once daily
Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding aspirin use while taking Brilinta.
Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea)
Some people may develop shortness of breath while taking Brilinta.
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
- New shortness of breath
- Worsening breathing difficulties
- Persistent breathing discomfort
In many cases, mild to moderate shortness of breath does not require treatment and may improve over time. If symptoms become severe or difficult to tolerate, your healthcare provider may evaluate whether an alternative antiplatelet medication is appropriate.
Do Not Stop Brilinta Without Medical Advice
Do not stop taking Brilinta unless your healthcare provider instructs you to do so.
Stopping Brilinta prematurely can significantly increase the risk of:
- Heart attack (myocardial infarction)
- Stroke
- Blood clot formation
- Cardiovascular death
If Brilinta must be temporarily stopped for surgery, a medical procedure, or another reason, your healthcare provider will advise you when to restart treatment. In most cases, Brilinta should be restarted as soon as it is safe to do so.
Regular follow-up appointments can help your healthcare provider monitor for bleeding, assess side effects, and ensure Brilinta continues to provide effective protection against cardiovascular events.
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