Key takeaways
Heparin and Brilinta (ticagrelor) are both blood thinners but are part of different medication groups and used differently. Heparin is an injectable anticoagulant used to treat and prevent blood clots quickly, often in hospitals. It works fast but requires regular blood tests and can cause serious bleeding and low platelet counts. Brilinta, an oral antiplatelet medication, prevents heart attacks and strokes by stopping platelets from clumping. It is taken twice daily and is often used with low-dose aspirin. It can cause bleeding and shortness of breath. Make sure to tell your prescriber what medications you take before starting heparin or Brillinta, as they can interact with other medications and increase your risk of serious bleeding.
