TICAGRELOR
Brand names: Ticagrelor, TICAGRELOR, BRILINTA, ticagrelor
Boxed warning
WARNING: BLEEDING RISK • Ticagrelor tablets, like other antiplatelet agents, can cause significant, sometimes fatal bleeding (5.1, 6.1). • Do not use ticagrelor tablets in patients with active pathological bleeding or a history of intracranial hemorrhage (4.1, 4.2). • Do not start ticagrelor tablets in patients undergoing urgent coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) (5.1, 6.1). • If possible, manage bleeding without discontinuing ticagrelor tablets. Stopping ticagrelor tablets increases the risk of subsequent cardiovascular events (5.2). WARNING: BLEEDING RISK See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. • Ticagrelor tablets, like other antiplatelet agents, can cause significant, sometimes fatal bleeding. (5.1, 6.1) • Do not use ticagrelor tablets in patients with active pathological bleeding or a history of intracranial hemorrhage. (4.1, 4.2) • Do not start ticagrelor tablets in patients undergoing urgent coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). (5.1, 6.1) • If possible, manage bleeding without discontinuing ticagrelor tablets. Stopping ticagrelor tablets increases the risk of subsequent cardiovascular events. (5.2)
Warnings
WARNING: BLEEDING RISK Ticagrelor tablets , like other antiplatelet agents, can cause significant, sometimes fatal bleeding (5.1, 6.1 ) . Do not use ticagrelor tablets in patients with active pathological bleeding or a history of intracranial hemorrhage ( 4.1 , 4.2 ). Do not start ticagrelor tablets in patients undergoing urgent coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) ( 5.1 , 6.1 ). If possible, manage bleeding without discontinuing ticagrelor tablets. Stopping ticagrelor tablets increases the risk of subsequent cardiovascular events ( 5.2 ) . WARNING: BLEEDING RISK See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Ticagrelor tablets , like other antiplatelet agents, can cause significant, sometimes fatal bleeding. ( 5.1 , 6.1 ) Do not use ticagrelor tablets in patients with active pathological bleeding or a history of intracranial hemorrhage. ( 4.1 , 4.2 ) Do not start ticagrelor tablets in patients undergoing urgent coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). ( 5.1 , 6.1 ) If possible, manage bleeding without discontinuing ticagrelor tablets. Stopping ticagrelor tablets increases the risk of subsequent cardiovascular events. ( 5.2 )
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Dyspnea was reported more frequently with ticagrelor tablets than with control agents in clinical trials. Dyspnea from ticagrelor tablets is self-limiting. (5.3 ) Severe Hepatic Impairment: Likely increase in exposure to ticagrelor. (5.5 ) Laboratory Test Interference: False negative platelet functional test results have been reported for Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT). Ticagrelor tablets are not expected to impact PF4 antibody testing for HIT. (5.7 ) 5.1 Risk of Bleeding Drugs that inhibit platelet function including ticagrelor tablets increase the risk of bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )]. Patients treated for acute ischemic stroke or TIA Patients at NIHSS >5 and patients receiving thrombolysis were excluded from THALES and use of ticagrelor tablets in such patients is not recommended. 5.2 Discontinuation of Ticagrelor Tablets in Patients Treated for Coronary Artery Disease Discontinuation of ticagrelor tablets will increase the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and death in patients being treated for coronary artery disease. If ticagrelor tablets must be temporarily discontinued (e.g., to treat bleeding or for significant surgery), restart it as soon as possible. When possible, interrupt therapy with ticagrelor tablets for five days prior to surgery that has a major risk of bleeding. Resume ticagrelor tablets as soon as hemostasis is achieved. 5.3 Dyspnea In clinical trials, about 14% (PLATO and PEGASUS) to 21% (THEMIS) of patients treated with ticagrelor tablets developed dyspnea. Dyspnea was usually mild to moderate in intensity and often resolved during continued treatment but led to study drug discontinuation in 0.9% (PLATO), 1% (THALES), 4.3% (PEGASUS), and 6.9% (THEMIS) of patients. In a substudy of PLATO, 199 subjects underwent pulmonary function testing irrespective of whether they reported dyspnea. There was no indication of an adverse effect on pulmonary function assessed after one month or after at least 6 months of chronic treatment. If a patient develops new, prolonged, or worsened dyspnea that is determined to be related to ticagrelor tablets, no specific treatment is required; continue ticagrelor tablets without interruption if possible. In the case of intolerable dyspnea requiring discontinuation of ticagrelor tablets, consider prescribing another antiplatelet agent. 5.4 Bradyarrhythmias Ticagrelor tablets can cause ventricular pauses [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Bradyarrhythmias including AV block have been reported in the postmarketing setting. Patients with a history of sick sinus syndrome, 2 nd or 3 rd degree AV block or bradycardia-related syncope not protected by a pacemaker were excluded from clinical studies and may be at increased risk of developing bradyarrhythmias with ticagrelor. 5.5 Severe Hepatic Impairment Avoid use of ticagrelor tablets in patients with severe hepatic impairment. Severe hepatic impairment is likely to increase serum concentration of ticagrelor. There are no studies of ticagrelor patients with severe hepatic impairment [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. 5.6 Central Sleep Apnea Central sleep apnea (CSA) including Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR) has been reported in the post-marketing setting in patients taking ticagrelor, including recurrence or worsening of CSA/CSR following rechallenge. If central sleep apnea is suspected, consider further clinical assessment. 5.7 Laboratory Test Interferences False negative functional tests for Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT) Ticagrelor tablets have been reported to cause false negative results in platelet functional tests (including the heparin-induced platelet aggregation (HIPA) assay) for patients with Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT). This is related to inhibition of the P2Y 12 -receptor on the healthy donor platelets in the test by ticagrelor in the affected patient’s serum/plasma. Information on concomitant treatment with ticagrelor tablets are required for interpretation of HIT functional tests. Based on the mechanism of ticagrelor interference, ticagrelor tablets are not expected to impact PF4 antibody testing for HIT.
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS History of intracranial hemorrhage. (4.1) Active pathological bleeding. (4.2) Hypersensitivity to ticagrelor or any component of the product. (4.3) 4.1 History of Intracranial Hemorrhage Ticagrelor tablet is contraindicated in patients with a history of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) because of a high risk of recurrent ICH in this population [see Clinical Studies (14.1, 14.2)]. 4.2 Active Bleeding Ticagrelor tablet is contraindicated in patients with active pathological bleeding such as peptic ulcer or intracranial hemorrhage [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. 4.3 Hypersensitivity Ticagrelor tablet is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity (e.g., angioedema) to ticagrelor or any component of the product .
Overdose
10 OVERDOSAGE There is currently no known treatment to reverse the effects of ticagrelor, and ticagrelor is not dialyzable. Treatment of overdose should follow local standard medical practice. Bleeding is the expected pharmacologic effect of overdosing. If bleeding occurs, appropriate supportive measures should be taken. Platelet transfusion did not reverse the antiplatelet effect of ticagrelor in healthy volunteers and is unlikely to be of clinical benefit in patients with bleeding. Other effects of overdose may include gastrointestinal effects (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) or ventricular pauses. Monitor the ECG.
Drug interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Avoid use with strong CYP3A inhibitors or CYP3A inducers. (7.1, 7.2) Opioids: Decreased exposure to ticagrelor. Consider use of parenteral anti-platelet agent. (7.3) Patients receiving more than 40 mg per day of simvastatin or lovastatin may be at increased risk of statin-related adverse effects. (7.4) Rosuvastatin plasma concentrations may increase. Monitor for statin-related adverse effects. (7.4) Monitor digoxin levels with initiation of or any change in ticagrelor. (7.5) 7.1 Strong CYP3A Inhibitors Strong CYP3A inhibitors substantially increase ticagrelor exposure and so increase the risk of dyspnea, bleeding, and other adverse events. Avoid use of strong inhibitors of CYP3A (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, clarithromycin, nefazodone, ritonavir, saquinavir, nelfinavir, indinavir, atazanavir and telithromycin) [ see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . 7.2 Strong CYP3A Inducers Strong CYP3A inducers substantially reduce ticagrelor exposure and so decrease the efficacy of ticagrelor. Avoid use with strong inducers of CYP3A (e.g., rifampin, phenytoin, carbamazepine and phenobarbital) [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. 7.3 Opioids As with other oral P2Y 12 inhibitors, co-administration of opioid agonists delay and reduce the absorption of ticagrelor and its active metabolite presumably because of slowed gastric emptying [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] . Consider the use of a parenteral anti-platelet agent in acute coronary syndrome patients requiring co-administration of morphine or other opioid agonists. 7.4 Simvastatin, Lovastatin, Rosuvastatin Ticagrelor increases serum concentrations of simvastatin and lovastatin because these drugs are metabolized by CYP3A4. Avoid simvastatin and lovastatin doses greater than 40 mg [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Ticagrelor increases serum concentration of rosuvastatin because rosuvastatin is a BCRP substrate [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. 7.5 Digoxin Ticagrelor inhibits the P-glycoprotein transporter; monitor digoxin levels with initiation of or change in ticagrelor therapy [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Ticagrelor tablets are a P2Y 12 platelet inhibitor indicated to reduce the risk of cardiovascular (CV) death, myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or a history of MI. For at least the first 12 months following ACS, it is superior to clopidogrel. Ticagrelor tablets also reduces the risk of stent thrombosis in patients who have been stented for treatment of ACS. (1.1) to reduce the risk of a first MI or stroke in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) at high risk for such events. While use is not limited to this setting, the efficacy of ticagrelor tablets were established in a population with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). (1.2) to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with acute ischemic stroke (NIH Stroke Scale score ≤5) or high-risk transient ischemic attack (TIA). (1.3) 1.1 Acute Coronary Syndrome or a History of Myocardial Infarction Ticagrelor tablets are indicated to reduce the risk of cardiovascular (CV) death, myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or a history of MI. For at least the first 12 months following ACS, it is superior to clopidogrel. Ticagrelor tablets also reduces the risk of stent thrombosis in patients who have been stented for treatment of ACS [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ]. 1.2 Coronary Artery Disease but No Prior Stroke or Myocardial Infarction Ticagrelor tablets are indicated to reduce the risk of a first MI or stroke in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) at high risk for such events [see Clinical Studies (14.2) ]. While use is not limited to this setting, the efficacy of ticagrelor tablets were established in a population with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). 1.3 Acute Ischemic Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) Ticagrelor tablets are indicated to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with acute ischemic stroke (NIH Stroke Scale score ≤5) or high-risk transient ischemic attack (TIA) [see Clinical Studies (14.3) ].
Dosage forms & strengths
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION • ACS or History of MI o Initiate treatment with 180 mg oral loading dose of ticagrelor tablets. Then administer 90 mg twice daily during the first year. After one year, administer 60 mg twice daily. (2.2) • Patients with CAD and No Prior Stroke or MI o Administer 60 mg ticagrelor tablets twice daily. (2.3) • Acute Ischemic Stroke o Initiate treatment with a 180 mg loading dose of ticagrelor tablets then continue with 90 mg twice daily for up to 30 days. (2.4) Use ticagrelor tablets with a daily maintenance dose of aspirin of 75 to 100 mg. (2) However, in patients who have undergone PCI, consider single antiplatelet therapy with ticagrelor tablets based on the evolving risk for thrombotic versus bleeding events. (2.2) 2.1 General Instructions Advise patients who miss a dose of ticagrelor tablet to take their next dose at its scheduled time. For patients who are unable to swallow tablets whole, ticagrelor tablets can be crushed, mixed with water, and drunk. The mixture can also be administered via a nasogastric tube (CH8 or greater) [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Do not administer ticagrelor tablet with another oral P2Y12 platelet inhibitor. Avoid aspirin at doses higher than recommended [see Clinical Studies (14.1)]. 2.2 Acute Coronary Syndrome or a History of Myocardial Infarction Initiate treatment with a 180 mg loading dose of ticagrelor tablet. Administer the first 90 mg maintenance dose of ticagrelor tablet, 6 to 12 hours after the loading dose. Administer 90 mg of ticagrelor tablet twice daily during the first year after an ACS event. After one year, administer 60 mg of ticagrelor tablet twice daily. Initiate ticagrelor tablet with a daily maintenance dose of aspirin of 75 mg to 100 mg. However, in patients who have undergone percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), consider single antiplatelet therapy with ticagrelor tablet based on the evolving risk for thrombotic versus bleeding events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Clinical Studies (14)]. 2.3 Coronary Artery Disease but No Prior Stroke or Myocardial Infarction Administer 60 mg of ticagrelor tablet twice daily. Generally, use ticagrelor tablet with a daily maintenance dose of aspirin of 75 mg to 100 mg [see Clinical Studies (14)]. 2.4 Acute Ischemic Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) Initiate treatment with a 180 mg loading dose of ticagrelor tablet and then continue with 90 mg twice daily for up to 30 days. Administer the first maintenance dose 6 to 12 hours after the loading dose. Use ticagrelor tablet with a loading dose of aspirin (300 mg to 325 mg) and a daily maintenance dose of aspirin of 75 mg to 100 mg [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Clinical Studies (14)].