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 or stroke, you’ll probably be prescribed several medications to help prevent another one. Antiplatelet medications, such as Brilinta (ticagrelor), are commonly prescribed in both of these situations.

Brilinta is often prescribed along with low-dose aspirin to help prevent blood clots. It’s generally well tolerated, but there are some side effects you should be aware of while taking it.

Brilinta side effects at a glance

Below, we’ve listed common and rare but serious Brilinta side effects reported in clinical studies. Keep in mind that this isn’t a complete list. Don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare team about any side effects that appear while taking Brilinta, even if they aren’t listed below.

Common Brilinta side effects include:

• Minor bleeding (including nosebleeds or light bruising)

• Dyspnea (shortness of breath)

• Dizziness

• Nausea

• Diarrhea

Rare but serious Brilinta side effects include:

• New or worsening sleep apnea

• Blood in the urine or stool

• Coughing up or vomiting blood

• Slow heartbeat or heartbeat pauses

• High uric acid levels

• Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), a condition that causes blood clots in small blood vessels

• Allergic reactions, including skin rash or angioedema

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Brilinta also carries a couple of boxed warnings. This is the FDA’s strictest warning for medications. While rare, these side effects can be life-threatening, and include:

• Increased risk of severe bleeding, which can be life-threatening in some cases

• Increased risk of stroke or heart attack if you stop taking Brilinta sooner than recommended

Let’s review seven Brilinta side effects and what you can do to manage them.

1. Higher risk of bleeding

Bleeding more easily is a common Brilinta side effect. Brilinta works by preventing platelets from forming unwanted blood clots in the body. This helps prevent heart attacks and strokes, but it also raises your risk of bleeding.

Mild bleeding is usually not dangerous as the blood loss is small and it can stop on its own. Examples include:

• Light bruising

• Bleeding from your gums when brushing your teeth

• Monthly periods that are heavier or longer-lasting than usual

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Severe bleeding doesn’t stop on its own and can be life-threatening. Seek emergency care right away if you notice symptoms of severe bleeding, such as:

• Excessive bruising or a bruise that continues to grow in size

• Red or black stools

• Blood in your urine

• Bloody vomit, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds

• Coughing up blood

Keep in mind that the risk of bleeding with Brilinta goes up if you take other medications that raise your bleeding risk. This includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and some antidepressants. So be sure to review your medication list with your prescriber before starting Brilinta. This will help them identify any interactions before they occur.

2. Shortness of breath

Shortness of breath is another possible Brilinta side effect. It can be unsettling to feel as though you can’t catch your breath. But this side effect is typically mild and tends to get better the longer you take the medication.

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

If you experience trouble breathing along with chest pain and dizziness, seek emergency care right away. These can be symptoms of a more serious issue, such as a blood clot in the lungs.

3. Dizziness

Dizziness isn’t common with Brilinta, but it may happen to some people taking it. 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 prescriber know. Sudden dizziness that occurs along with a headache or vision changes requires emergency care. These can be symptoms of a more serious problem, such as a stroke.

4. Nausea

Nausea is a common side effect of lots of medications. It doesn’t happen often while taking Brilinta, but it’s possible. If you feel nauseated after taking your dose, try taking Brilinta with food.

Severe nausea isn’t likely with Brilinta. So let your healthcare team know if that’s something you experience. They can help identify the cause and best next steps.

5. Diarrhea

Brilinta can cause diarrhea, but thankfully it’s one of its least common side effects.

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

If these tips don’t help, or if your diarrhea becomes severe, contact your prescriber. Something else might be to blame for your loose stools.

6. Slow heartbeat or heartbeat pauses

Some people taking Brilinta have reported slow and irregular heartbeats. This isn’t a common side effect, but it can be serious or even life-threatening in severe cases.

If you have a history of irregular heartbeats, let your prescriber know before you start taking Brilinta. They may prefer to prescribe a different medication. If you experience sudden dizziness, fatigue, or feel your heart skipping beats while taking Brilinta, seek emergency care.

7. High uric acid levels

Brilinta can raise uric acid levels in the blood. This can increase your risk of gout attacks, especially if you also consume alcohol or are living with high cholesterol. The good news is that this side effect is reversible. Uric acid levels typically return to normal about a month after stopping Brilinta.

If you notice sudden pain, redness, or swelling in your joints — particularly in the knee or big toe — contact your prescriber. These are common symptoms of gout. If you have a history of gout, discuss this Brilinta side effect with your prescriber before starting it. A different antiplatelet medication may be a better option for you.

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Written by:

Timothy Aungst, PharmD

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

Edited 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.

Reviewed 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.

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