After the initial dose (also called the "loading dose"), the standard amount of ticagrelor a person takes is 90 mg twice a day, along with 70 to 100 mg of aspirin once a day. Interestingly, taking more aspirin does not increase ticagrelor's effectiveness. In fact, it can actually decrease it. This drug can be taken with or without food.
There is only one standard dosage for ticagrelor (Brilinta™), regardless of your age or weight. As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically tells you to do so.
The very first dose of ticagrelor given to a person is known as the "loading dose" and is 180 mg (two 90-mg tablets), along with 325 mg of aspirin (a standard, full-strength aspirin tablet). After that, the standard recommended dosage is 90 mg twice daily, along with 70 to 100 mg of aspirin (a "low-dose" aspirin) once a day. Taking more than 100 mg of aspirin per day actually makes ticagrelor less effective.
At this time, it is not entirely clear how long people should continue to take ticagrelor, and different healthcare providers may have different opinions on this matter. Your healthcare provider will take into account your particular situation when recommending how long you should take it.
Considerations to keep in mind during treatment with ticagrelor include the following:
- If you miss a ticagrelor dosage, simply skip it and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
- You can take this medication with or without food.
- Ticagrelor should be taken with aspirin.
- Your healthcare provider will take into account your particular situation when recommending how long you should continue to take this medication. Some people may need to take it longer than others.
- If you are unsure about anything related to dosing with ticagrelor, please talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.