7 Brilinta (Ticagrelor) Side Effects You Should Know About

Heart attacks and strokes happen to hundreds of thousands of people in the U.S. each year. After having a heart attack, you’ll probably be prescribed several medications to help prevent another one. Likewise, after having a stroke, you’ll likely start taking medications to prevent future strokes. One class of medications that’s prescribed in both these situations is antiplatelets.

Low-dose aspirin is a well known antiplatelet medication. But it’s not always enough to prevent heart-related problems on its own. Brilinta (ticagrelor) is a medication that some people can take along with aspirin to prevent heart issues. But it has some possible side effects to know about. Below, we’ll review seven Brilinta side effects you should be aware of.

1. Higher risk of bleeding

Bleeding more easily is a common Brilinta side effect. Brilinta works by helping to stop unwanted blood clots from forming, which is good for preventing heart attacks and strokes. Unfortunately, this could also stop you from forming clots when they’re necessary, such as when you get cut. This raises your risk of bleeding, which can be serious or life-threatening in some cases.

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Because of this, Brilinta shouldn't be taken if you have a history of brain bleeds or if you’re currently experiencing a major type of bleeding. An example of major bleeding is stomach bleeding.

Let your healthcare provider know right away if you notice symptoms of serious bleeding, such as:

• Excessive or unusual bruising

• Red or black stools

• Blood in your urine

• Bloody vomit, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds

• Coughing up blood

2. Shortness of breath

In clinical trials, 14% to 21% of people taking Brilinta had shortness of breath or trouble breathing. This side effect is typically mild, but it can be bothersome. Usually, it gets better the longer you take the medication. It’s also important to note that this side effect doesn’t cause any lung damage.

If you’re taking Brilinta and experience shortness of breath that doesn’t get better or becomes worse at any point, let your healthcare provider know. They may suggest switching to a different antiplatelet medication if breathing issues become too bothersome.

3. Dizziness

Dizziness is a common side effect of many medications. Thankfully, it’s relatively uncommon with Brilinta. Dizziness may be more noticeable when you first start the medication. As your body adjusts to Brilinta, this side effect may become less severe or go away.

If you experience dizziness, be careful when changing positions from sitting to standing. Stand up slowly and hold on to a sturdy surface to help prevent falling. If dizziness doesn’t improve or is excessive, let your healthcare provider know.

4. Nausea

Nausea is another relatively common side effect of lots of medications. This includes Brilinta. Taking your dose with food can help prevent nausea. You can also ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about anti-nausea medications. If you find that this Brilinta side effect becomes too bothersome, let your provider know.

5. Diarrhea

Having diarrhea can be a hassle, and many medications can cause this side effect. Brilinta can cause diarrhea, but it’s one of the least common side effects. In clinical trials, about 3% of people experienced diarrhea while taking Brilinta.

Be sure to stay hydrated if you experience loose stools with Brilinta. As with nausea, taking the medication with food may help. You may want to avoid spicy or fatty foods, which can worsen diarrhea. You can also ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist to recommend an over-the-counter antidiarrheal for you.

If the above tips don’t help, or if the diarrhea becomes severe, contact your healthcare provider. Something else might be causing you to have loose stools.

6. Slow heartbeat or heartbeat pauses

Brilinta can make your heart beat slow down or have pauses. This is a serious side effect that can be life-threatening in severe cases. If you have a history of irregular heartbeats, let your healthcare provider know before you start Brilinta. They may prefer to prescribe a different medication. If you experience sudden dizziness or fainting, or feel your heart skipping beats, contact your healthcare provider right away.

7. Higher uric acid levels

In clinical studies, Brilinta raised uric acid blood levels. This could possibly raise your risk of gout attacks. However, not all studies found more gout attacks in people taking Brilinta. And this side effect is reversible. Uric acid levels typically return to normal about a month after the medication is stopped.

If you notice sudden pain, redness, or swelling in your joints — particularly in the knee or big toe — contact your provider. These are common symptoms of gout. If you have a history of gout, discuss this Brilinta side effect with your healthcare provider.

When should I contact my healthcare provider about Brilinta side effects?

Watch out for symptoms of serious bleeding, as described earlier. If you notice these, report them to your healthcare provider. If the bleeding seems life-threatening, get medical attention immediately. Sharing an updated medication list with your provider and pharmacist can help you avoid other medications that raise the risk of bleeding, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

It’s also important that every member of your healthcare team knows you’re taking Brilinta. For instance, your dentist should be aware if you’re taking this medication, so they can safely perform dental work. Likewise, always let surgeons know if you’re taking Brilinta, as you may have to stop the medication a few days before getting a surgical procedure.

If you find that any side effects are bothersome or persistent, let your healthcare provider know. They can help you decide if Brilinta is the best option for you.

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Written by:

Timothy Aungst, PharmD

Timothy Aungst, PharmD, has worked in pharmacy practice for the past decade with different roles and responsibilities. He has served as an associate professor of pharmacy practice for almost a decade, a clinical pharmacist in outpatient cardiology management, and now in home healthcare.

Edited by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

Reviewed by:

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky and is licensed in New York and Massachusetts.

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