Ticagrelor is an antiplatelet medicine. It prevents platelets (a type of blood cell) from sticking together and forming a dangerous blood clot.
Taking ticagrelor can help prevent blood clots if you have an increased risk of having them because you:
- have had a heart attack
- have unstable angina
- have had a stroke or a transient ischaemic stroke (TIA, or mini-stroke)
Ticagrelor is only available on prescription. It comes as standard tablets that you usually swallow whole or tablets that melt in your mouth.
Key facts
- You'll usually take ticagrelor twice a day.
- Ticagrelor is often prescribed together with low-dose aspirin at the start of treatment.
- The main side effects of ticagrelor are getting out of breath and bleeding more easily than normal. You may have nosebleeds, heavier periods, bleeding gums and bruising.
- If ticagrelor makes you feel dizzy, do not drive, cycle or use machinery or tools until you feel better.
- You can drink alcohol with ticagrelor. But do not drink too much while taking this medicine. It can irritate your stomach.
- You may need to stop taking ticagrelor for a short time before having surgery or dental treatment, but check with your doctor or dentist first.