Coming off Ticagrelor

[Cube58]

Today I contacted my GP after taking Ticagrelor for 14 months, my hospital discharge paperwork stated take for 12 months so I thought I better check as my GP had not mentioned it. Just a little concerned about coming off them as I have not really had any explanation why this is the correct decision.

My GP sent me a somewhat odd message stating that the script had been removed from the NHS app, no guidance, no offer of a cardiologist appointment, no reassurance...

Thank goodness for this site and the BHFand the comments posted.

Cube

[BeKind28-]

Hello

As you will know it is an extra strong blood thinner and in most cases even though not all they put us all on them for 12 months and as long as they are happy they then take us of them

I came of mine and did not notice a difference other than less bruising

Sometimes people can if anything feel better not been on them as they can have side effects like affecting your breathing for some

Congratulations in getting to a stage where you no longer need them x

[Happyrosie]

as BeMind says. Also, I assume that the gp will review you annually.

[abc1_2-3]

Hi Cube 58. Ticagrelor is an anticoagulant, I was on it for 12 months like most people, I was told it's to reduce the chance of clots forming around stents ( I'm assuming you have them). I was lucky & didn't really bruise, but during the year I was on them had 3 nose bleeds, believe me, they took some stopping.

I have read on here of people remaining on a reduced dose after 12 months.

Regards😁

[Lowerfield_no_more]

Ticagrelor is an antiplatelet like aspirin, and Clopidogrel. After a heart attack it seems common practice to prescribe a combination of these for 12 months and then reduce the dose in some way according to individuals needs, presumably as the heart health risk has reduced in that time. In my case I was prescribed Clopidogrel for 12 months, and low dose aspirin for life

[KingChanterel]

I am currently into my 3rd year of taking Ticagrelor, reduced dose from 90mg to 60mg after year 1. When I last saw my Cardiologist (private) late last year, he said under current guidelines he would keep me on them for a further 2 years (so years 3 and 4) and would then review the guidelines again.

[Zed1063]

HI I am nearly at the 12 month point and was told that I would be taken off then. I was informed that they are given to protect the stent from any blood clots while it settles and after 12 months the stent is invisible! and then I can come off them, so I am hoping I can come off them as i have been told i will fell better in myself once I am sometimes I feel awful and am led to believe it it to do with the medication I am on.

Take care we are always here for you!

[Qualipop]

That's completely normal. They simply stop it after 12 months. I had no side effects at all. Mine was clopidogrel- I'd been changed from ticagrelor. I just stopped and was thankful to get rid of a lot of the bruises. I did ask if I could stay on it instead of aspirin as aspirin was killing my stomach but they said aspirin was preferred as they know more about any long term effects. I now take coated aspirin instead of soluble.