Ticagrelor starting today

[Lizbeth61]

Hello I’m new to this group. I’ve had a stent fitted one week ago after only discovering I had heart disease 4 weeks ago. The stent was fitted in my left LAD Artery. I was put on Clopidogrel and after 5 days I developed a severe rash. The consultant has now changed me onto Ticagrelor which I just started today. I have to take a loading dose of 180mg twice for today then 90mg twice a day from tomorrow. I keep reading that Ticagrelor can cause bleeding and this worries me. Also that it has more side effects ie breathlessness. If anyone has any advice or reassurance that would be great. Thanks in advance of any responses

[SpiritoftheFloyd]

Hello and welcome to the forum

Ticagrelor is an anticoagulant which will thin your blood to prevent any blood clots forming. After having a stent you'll normally take it for 12 months.

If you cut yourself or have a nosebleed, the bleeding will take longer to stop. In my experience the main problem with ticagrelor was that if I bumped myself a bruise would appear within an hour, sometimes I would wake up with yet another bruise but not recall bumping myself to cause the bruise - you get used to this scenario after a few months!

Here's a link to the NHS page on ticagrelor:-

nhs.uk/medicines/ticagrelor/

[Lizbeth61 in reply to SpiritoftheFloyd]

Thank you very much this is Very helpful

[Outforawalk]

I have been on ticagrelor for just over 6 months following a HA and 4 stents. Other than bruising badly and bleeding taking a while to stop if I cut myself I haven’t had any other really noticeable side effects.

[Lizbeth61 in reply to Outforawalk]

Thanks for your reply only one day in and already I’m sure I can see a few bruises! Ie where my watch was on and where my trainers were on my heel. But hopefully will be able to cope with that for a year. Regards

[Outforawalk in reply to Lizbeth61]

When I say bruise badly, as you describe there are small bruises where I don’t remember bumping myself. And if I do something that would normally result is a bruise, the bruising can be quite dramatic in colour! But it’s not debilitating or cause for embarrassment. Hopefully you get on fine with the medication, good luck.

[Lizbeth61 in reply to Outforawalk]

This is good to know hopefully they won’t be too bad

[Maisie2014]

Hello Lizbeth. Welcome to the club. I had heart attack with stent February 2019 and am still taking Ticagrelor albeit the smaller dose after the first 12 months. I still have lovely bruises but I suppose I’ve got used to them. I take more care now.

[Lizbeth61 in reply to Maisie2014]

Hi Maisie thanks for your reply. Can I ask why they have kept you on the drug after 12 months?

[Maisie2014]

I had a heart attack at age 68, despite healthy lifestyle, diet and exercise regime (I used to do gym classes 4 times a week). Family history I suppose. Cardiologist says have to take for rest of my life to prevent another attack.

[Lizbeth61 in reply to Maisie2014]

Sorry to hear Maisie, I didn't have a heart attack thank god but like you always been fit and active and exercising regularly