Ticagrelor – the safety and effectiveness of new strategies to reduce clotting events.

This study investigated the use of ticagrelor (Brilique) to prevent blood clots in patients with cardiovascular disease. They found that ticagrelor was associated with improved patient survival and a lower risk of cardiovascular events. 

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a serious condition. Managing CAD is critical to prevent heart attacks, stroke, and death. These are called cardiovascular (CV)  events. CAD is caused by blockages in the arteries. Blood can become thicker and pool in the arteries. This can form blood clots and block the arteries. Platelets are a type of cell in the blood. They are important for normal blood clotting. Anti-platelet therapy is one strategy used to treat CAD. This therapy reduces the risk of blood clots.

Ticagrelor is a drug that prevents platelets from clumping together (aggregating). Anti-platelet therapy involves using multiple drugs to manage platelet levels. Platelets levels must be closely monitored to prevent bleeding. Ticagrelor is a relatively new medication. It is unclear if it is more effective than standard APT drugs to prevent CV clotting events. 

This study reviewed data from 10 clinical trials. The data from 73,121 patients were analyzed. 54.9% of patients were taking with ticagrelor in combination with other antiplatelet drugs. The rest of the patients were on standard therapy. The rates of death, heart attack, and stroke were analyzed. 

Patients with CAD had lower rates of blood clotting events when treated with ticagrelor. Ticagrelor was most beneficial in younger patients. The risk of death due to CAD was 8% lower in ticagrelor-treated patients compared to standard therapy. Heart attack and stroke risks were also lower in ticagrelor-patients.

The rates of major bleeding was 11% higher in ticagrelor-treated patients. 

The authors concluded that ticagrelor was associated with improved patient outcomes with an increased risk of bleeding complications.

Some data was not available for the analysis. More investigation is needed. 

If you have any concerns regarding CAD treatment, please consult with your physician.