Ticagrelor

Patients may be prescribed ticagrelor along with aspirin after a heart attack. This medication helps minimize the possibility of a life-threatening blood clot or a stroke by interfering with the body’s ability to produce platelets, which are used by the blood for clotting purposes. This medication is taken twice daily and is often taken with aspirin to protect against blood clots.

Side Effects/Warnings

Ticagrelor may cause excessive bleeding, especially when taken with aspirin. Patients who have stomach ulcers or other conditions that can cause internal bleeding should not take this medication. This medication also should not be taken with prescription-strength blood thinners because of the risk of bleeding. Patients may need to stop taking the medication five days before any surgical procedure, including dental surgery.