Brilinta® Tablets for Acute Coronary Syndrome

Brilinta is an oral antiplatelet for adults who have had a heart attack or acute coronary syndrome. It helps reduce the chance of another clot-related event when used with low-dose aspirin. This page explains key uses, safety basics, and how you can arrange US delivery from Canada, including ways to plan your costs without insurance.

What Brilinta Is and How It Works

Brilinta® contains ticagrelor, a P2Y12 inhibitor that helps prevent platelets from clumping. It works at the ADP receptor on platelets, lowering the risk of clots that can block arteries. The treatment is commonly paired with low-dose aspirin as part of dual antiplatelet therapy after certain heart events or procedures.

Border Free Health connects U.S. patients with licensed Canadian partner pharmacies; prescriptions are verified with prescribers before dispensing.

This medicine starts working soon after the first dose, with effects maintained by regular dosing. Unlike some alternatives, its action does not require metabolic activation. Because it affects clotting, any new or unusual bleeding should be reported to a clinician.

Some people notice shortness of breath early in therapy. This effect is usually mild and often improves with time. Always check the official label for the most current safety details.

Who It’s For

The treatment is used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack, or stroke in adults with acute coronary syndrome or a history of myocardial infarction. It is also used in people who have stents after percutaneous coronary intervention. Brilinta tablets are taken with aspirin as directed by your prescriber.

People with active bleeding or a history of intracranial hemorrhage should not use this therapy. Those with severe liver disease, a tendency to bleed, or plans for surgery should discuss risks with a clinician. Older adults and those on other blood thinners may need closer monitoring.

For broader context on the condition, see Acute Coronary Syndrome and our overview of related care within Cardiovascular.

Dosage and Usage

Follow your prescriber’s directions and the official label. Many adults start with a one-time loading dose and then take a maintenance dose twice daily. In the first year after an acute coronary syndrome event, Brilinta 90 mg twice daily is commonly used with low-dose aspirin (75–100 mg daily). After the first year, your clinician may continue therapy, often at a lower strength based on the label and your clinical history.

Take doses at the same times each day, with or without food. Do not take more than prescribed. Use only low-dose aspirin as advised, since higher aspirin doses can reduce the treatment’s effectiveness.

If surgery or dental work is planned, tell your care team that you take a P2Y12 inhibitor. Your prescriber will advise how to coordinate timing to manage bleeding risk.

Strengths and Forms

This therapy is available as oral tablets in multiple strengths. Commonly published options include Ticagrelor 90mg tablets for early maintenance use, and another lower strength often used after the first year based on the label. Availability may vary by pharmacy and country of origin.

Tablets are typically film-coated for easy identification. Packaging may differ by manufacturer. Your dispensing pharmacy will provide the patient information leaflet with each fill.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, take the next scheduled dose at its regular time. Do not double up. Staying consistent helps maintain platelet inhibition. Set reminders on your phone or use a pill organizer to support adherence, especially when traveling or recovering from a hospital stay.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets at room temperature in the original container, away from excess heat and moisture. Keep the bottle tightly closed and out of reach of children and pets. Do not store in the bathroom or near a sink where humidity can rise.

When you travel, carry this medicine in your hand luggage. Bring a copy of your prescription and a current medication list. Keep tablets in labeled pharmacy packaging to help with security checks. If you cross time zones, plan your dosing schedule in advance and ask your clinician for guidance.

Prolonged heat exposure can damage medicines. Do not leave tablets in a parked car. If you have questions about safe handling in unusual conditions, consult the official label or your pharmacist.

Benefits

This antiplatelet class helps lower the risk of another heart attack or stroke when added to low-dose aspirin after an acute event. Because it does not require metabolic activation, response is more predictable for many patients compared with some alternatives. Twice-daily dosing allows steady platelet inhibition when taken as directed.

The treatment is part of a broader plan that includes lifestyle changes and other heart medicines. Adherence, regular follow-up, and reviewing your full regimen with a clinician are important for sustained benefit.

Side Effects and Safety

• Bleeding, including easy bruising or nosebleeds
• Shortness of breath or a sensation of air hunger
• Dizziness or headache
• Upset stomach or diarrhea
• Skin rash or itching

Serious risks can include major bleeding, including gastrointestinal or intracranial hemorrhage. Seek urgent care for severe headache, weakness on one side, coughing up blood, or black stools. The treatment may raise uric acid and, rarely, can affect heart rhythm with pauses noted early in therapy. People with severe liver problems, a history of bleeding in the brain, or active bleeding should not use it.

Report any persistent shortness of breath to your clinician. Do not stop the medicine suddenly without medical advice, especially if you have a stent, because stopping early can increase stent thrombosis risk.

For a deeper dive on safety, review our article What Is A Heart Attack and condition background in Acute Coronary Syndrome.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Strong CYP3A inhibitors (for example, ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin) and strong CYP3A inducers (such as rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin) can change ticagrelor levels. Avoid grapefruit products unless your clinician says otherwise. Combining with other agents that increase bleeding risk, including anticoagulants or chronic NSAID use, can raise bleeding risk.

Tell your clinician about all medicines and supplements you take, including herbals like St. John’s wort. Certain statins (simvastatin, lovastatin) may require attention to dose limits when used together. High-dose aspirin can reduce effectiveness; use the aspirin strength recommended on the label.

What to Expect Over Time

You may not feel a noticeable effect day to day, because this medicine works by preventing clots. Benefits accrue when you take it consistently with low-dose aspirin as directed. Some people experience shortness of breath early, which can improve with time. Discuss any bothersome symptoms so your prescriber can decide whether to continue, adjust, or consider alternatives.

If your care plan continues beyond one year, your clinician may transition to a lower maintenance strength such as Brilinta 60 mg based on the label and your history. Keep all follow-up appointments to review adherence, other heart medicines, and overall risk reduction goals.

Compare With Alternatives

Other approved P2Y12 inhibitors include clopidogrel and prasugrel. Choice depends on clinical scenario, bleeding risk, and prescriber judgment.

• Clopidogrel — Widely used, often once daily
• Prasugrel — Typically for certain PCI patients per label

Your clinician can help decide which agent is appropriate for your situation.

Pricing and Access

We provide transparent options so you can compare brand and the authorized generic when available. Many patients look up the Brilinta price to estimate their budget before ordering. For the generic, people often compare Ticagrelor price with brand to plan out-of-pocket spending.

Because Canadian pricing can be favorable, you can arrange US delivery from Canada after your prescription is verified. Use our site to review current availability, add your prescription details, and proceed through our encrypted checkout. If you’re looking for seasonal deals, visit our Promotions page for current offers.

We cannot quote personal costs here. Your final amount depends on quantity, strength, and dispensing pharmacy. Reach out if you need help submitting prescription documents.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary by strength, pack size, and manufacturer. If a selected strength is unavailable, your prescriber may recommend an alternative strength or agent. Our partner pharmacists coordinate with your clinician as needed before dispensing a substitution.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This therapy may suit adults after a qualifying heart event when dual antiplatelet therapy is indicated. It is not for people with active bleeding or prior bleeding in the brain. Those with liver impairment, a history of gout, or bradyarrhythmias should review risks and benefits with a clinician.

• Multi-month fills — Fewer refills and better adherence
• Align refills — Reorder before travel or procedures
• Pill organizer — Support consistent twice-daily dosing
• Medication list — Keep an updated list for all visits
• Aspirin plan — Use only low-dose as directed on label

Planning ahead helps reduce missed doses and pharmacy delays. Consider setting calendar reminders for refills and follow-up visits.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Is this the right P2Y12 inhibitor for my heart history?
• How long should I stay on dual antiplatelet therapy?
• What bleeding signs should lead me to seek urgent care?
• Which over-the-counter pain relievers are safer with this therapy?
• Do I need limits on simvastatin or lovastatin while using this?
• How should we plan around upcoming surgery or dental work?
• When might dose or agent changes be considered?

Authoritative Sources

Manufacturer Prescribing Information

FDA DailyMed

Health Canada Drug Product Database

Ready to proceed? You can place your order with prompt, express shipping and US shipping from Canada after your prescription is verified. This page is informational and not a substitute for professional medical advice.