Brilinta® 90 mg Tablets for Acute Coronary Syndrome

Brilinta® is a prescription antiplatelet medicine for adults with acute coronary syndrome or a recent heart attack. It helps prevent new clots that can lead to heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death. This page explains how it works, who may benefit, and how to use it safely, with clear steps for ordering.

What Brilinta Is and How It Works

This medicine contains ticagrelor, a reversible P2Y12 receptor antagonist. It reduces platelet activation and aggregation, which helps lower the risk of clot formation in arteries supplying the heart and brain. It is generally taken with a maintenance dose of low-dose aspirin per labeling.

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Ticagrelor is not a prodrug and does not require metabolic activation, which may provide more consistent platelet inhibition compared with agents dependent on CYP2C19. Common ticagrelor 90 mg uses include secondary prevention after acute coronary syndrome and following percutaneous coronary intervention according to approved indications.

If interested in a deeper explainer of mechanism and dosing context, see our overview in Ticagrelor 90 mg Guide.

Who It’s For

This treatment is indicated to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and stroke in adults with acute coronary syndrome or a history of myocardial infarction. It is also used after stent placement to help prevent stent thrombosis when combined with low-dose aspirin as directed.

Brilinta 90 mg used for secondary prevention should be avoided in patients with active pathological bleeding, a history of intracranial hemorrhage, or severe hepatic impairment. Those with bradyarrhythmias, gout, or asthma may need additional evaluation. Learn more about underlying conditions such as Coronary Artery Disease and the recovery phase after a Heart Attack.

Dosage and Usage

Per the approved label, therapy often starts in the acute setting with a loading dose under clinician direction, followed by maintenance dosing. A common maintenance regimen is one tablet twice daily with low-dose aspirin (typically 75 to 100 mg) unless contraindicated. The recommended aspirin maintenance dose should not be exceeded because higher doses can reduce ticagrelor effectiveness.

Typical brilinta 90 mg dosage per day in the first year after an acute coronary syndrome event is twice daily. After the first year, some patients may transition to a lower maintenance strength as directed by the prescriber. Tablets can be taken with or without food and should be swallowed whole; crushing instructions may appear in some labels for specific clinical circumstances, but follow prescriber guidance.

Before procedures with bleeding risk, clinicians often evaluate whether to discontinue therapy several days beforehand to reduce surgical bleeding. Do not stop the medicine without discussing the plan with the treating prescriber, as abrupt interruption may increase thrombotic risk.

For broader context on life after myocardial infarction and antiplatelet plans, see our category for Cardiovascular care.

Strengths and Forms

The treatment is supplied as film-coated oral tablets in multiple strengths. Common presentations include 90 mg and 60 mg tablets. Availability may vary by pharmacy and market.

Many patients receive ticagrelor 90mg tablets during the first year after an acute coronary syndrome, with prescribers sometimes reducing to a 60 mg maintenance tablet thereafter based on risk assessment and label guidance.

Missed Dose and Timing

If a scheduled dose is missed, the general guidance is to take the next dose at the regular time. Do not double the next dose. Keeping a consistent schedule helps maintain platelet inhibition.

Patients on ticagrelor 90 mg tab regimens who miss a dose should resume with the next scheduled tablet. Setting reminders, pill organizers, or synchronized alarms can reduce the chance of missed doses and support adherence.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets at room temperature in the original container, protected from moisture. Keep the bottle tightly closed and out of reach of children. Do not use tablets that are damaged or beyond their labeled expiry date.

When traveling, carry the medication in a carry-on bag along with a copy of the prescription and a current medication list. Use a secure, child-resistant container, and avoid extreme temperatures for prolonged periods. If inspection is required, keep the label visible to speed screening. For international trips, consider a letter from the prescriber describing the therapy and indication.

Benefits

This antiplatelet class helps decrease the risk of major cardiovascular events after an acute coronary syndrome. It works quickly and provides reversible platelet inhibition, which may be useful if therapy needs reassessment before procedures. Taking it with low-dose aspirin, as directed, supports a comprehensive secondary prevention plan.

Because it does not require activation by CYP2C19, response is less affected by genetic variability in that enzyme. Regular dosing helps maintain consistent effect over the full dosing interval.

Side Effects and Safety

• Bleeding or bruising easily
• Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
• Nosebleeds or gum bleeding
• Headache or dizziness
• Nausea or diarrhea
• Cough or fatigue

Serious risks include severe bleeding, intracranial hemorrhage, and rare bradyarrhythmias or ventricular pauses. Shortness of breath can occur, usually mild to moderate; report persistent or worsening symptoms. Infections, trauma, other antithrombotic drugs, or invasive procedures can increase bleeding risk. Discuss the balance of benefits and risks with a clinician, and avoid nonessential interruptions of therapy without medical input. For patients with diabetes and heart disease, see guidance in Heart Health and Diabetes.

Common ticagrelor 90 mg side effects are generally aligned with antiplatelet effects; seek urgent care for signs of severe bleeding, a sudden severe headache, fainting, or black tarry stools.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Strong CYP3A inhibitors (such as ketoconazole, clarithromycin, ritonavir) and strong CYP3A inducers (such as rifampin, phenytoin, carbamazepine) can significantly alter ticagrelor exposure; labels advise avoiding these combinations. Concomitant anticoagulants, other antiplatelet agents, and chronic NSAIDs may raise bleeding risk. Aspirin maintenance dosing should remain low as indicated on the label.

Higher doses of simvastatin or lovastatin may increase statin exposure when used with ticagrelor; prescribers may adjust. Monitor for bradyarrhythmias in susceptible patients. Those with severe hepatic impairment should not use it. People with a history of intracranial hemorrhage should avoid therapy. For related therapy discussions, see Prasugrel 10 mg.

What to Expect Over Time

With regular dosing, platelet inhibition is maintained throughout the day, helping to reduce the risk of recurrent events. Minor bruising can occur. Some patients notice mild shortness of breath that may lessen over time; persistent symptoms warrant review.

Adherence is essential. Use calendar packs or phone reminders. Maintain routine follow-up, and inform dental or surgical teams about antiplatelet therapy before procedures. General cardiovascular risk reduction, including lipid and blood pressure management, supports long-term outcomes.

Compare With Alternatives

Several P2Y12 inhibitors are available. Generic Ticagrelor provides the same active ingredient as this medicine. Prasugrel is another option for certain patients after percutaneous coronary intervention; bleeding risk profiles and indications differ, so clinicians individualize choices. For context on thienopyridine therapy, see Clopidogrel 75 mg.

Pricing and Access

We support transparent Canadian pricing with secure checkout and US shipping from Canada. Check the latest ticagrelor 90 mg price, review availability, and compare options for brand and generic supply when appropriate. If looking for current offers, see our Promotions page for neutral updates.

For patients coordinating multiple cardiac medicines, consolidated refills can reduce trips and help keep therapy on schedule. Encrypted checkout helps protect personal information during purchase.

Availability and Substitutions

Product availability can vary by strength and package size. If a specific strength is temporarily unavailable, a prescriber may recommend an alternative strength or a different P2Y12 inhibitor that fits the clinical situation. Pharmacy teams dispense only against valid prescriptions and may contact the prescriber for clarification when needed.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This therapy may suit adults after acute coronary syndrome, including those who have undergone stent placement. It may not be appropriate for people with active bleeding, a history of intracranial hemorrhage, or severe liver disease. Those with recurrent dyspnea or syncope require evaluation.

Cost-sensitive options may include generic ticagrelor when available. Multi-month fills can decrease per-fill fees. Aligning delivery dates for cardiac medicines such as Lipitor may simplify scheduling. Set refill reminders so therapy is maintained without gaps. For broader condition education, explore our article on Heart and PAD in Diabetes.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Appropriate duration: How long should therapy continue?
• Aspirin pairing: What daily aspirin dose is recommended?
• Surgery planning: When should tablets be stopped before procedures?
• Bleeding risk: What signs should prompt urgent care?
• Shortness of breath: When is a workup needed?
• Drug interactions: Which medicines or supplements should be avoided?
• Alternative agents: Would another P2Y12 inhibitor be suitable?

Authoritative Sources

For official US prescribing information and comprehensive label details, consult FDA DailyMed for ticagrelor. The manufacturer provides patient and professional resources on AstraZeneca’s Brilinta site. Canadian product information is available via Health Canada Drug Product Database.

Ready to proceed? You can place an order with CanadianInsulin for US shipping from Canada with prompt, express service and temperature-controlled handling when required. Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.