Adding Brilinta to your treatment plan can be significantly advantageous when managing cardiovascular conditions. Brilinta, also referred to as ticagrelor, is crafted to handle acute coronary syndrome and lower the risk of fatal outcomes from heart attacks and strokes. As an antiplatelet drug, it prevents blood clots and maintains efficient blood flow, providing critical protection against serious health issues.
Nevertheless, Brilinta comes with its own set of side effects and can be quite costly. That’s why many patients look for more affordable and safer alternatives. Below, we examine some popular substitutes for Brilinta.
Plavix
Both Brilinta and Plavix function through similar mechanisms. They inhibit platelet aggregation by blocking the adenosine diphosphate (ADP) P2Y12 receptor on platelets. Reduced platelet clumping results in less blood clotting, which aids in treating and preventing strokes.
Brilinta has a faster onset and higher efficacy compared to Plavix. It may be more beneficial for individuals with hereditary resistance to P2Y12 inhibitors. Moreover, Brilinta is easier to discontinue before surgeries due to its shorter duration of action. However, it’s important to note that Plavix may lose effectiveness when used in combination with common proton pump inhibitors like Prilosec (omeprazole).
Despite Brilinta’s advantages, certain disadvantages might make Plavix a suitable alternative. Plavix is often chosen because it is less likely to cause bruising. Studies suggest it is as effective as Brilinta in most situations, though it might be slightly less potent in older patients. The generic form of Plavix, clopidogrel, is much more affordable compared to Brilinta.
Effient
Effient, closely related to Brilinta and frequently prescribed for acute myocardial infarctions (MI), is another strong ADP P2Y12 receptor inhibitor known for its rapid onset and high potency.
Effient has fewer FDA-approved indications than Brilinta but offers advantages that could make it a preferred option. Research indicates that Effient also reduces the incidence of dyspnea, a common side effect of Brilinta. However, similar to Brilinta, Effient carries a black box warning from the FDA due to the risk of bleeding.
Xarelto
Xarelto is another FDA-approved alternative that serves a preventative role. As a direct oral anticoagulant—or blood thinner—Xarelto prevents blood clots by inhibiting the Xa enzyme. It is well-known for preventing strokes in patients with atrial fibrillation and treating blood clots.
Studies have demonstrated that combining Xarelto with aspirin effectively helps prevent cardiovascular events, including strokes, in individuals with peripheral artery disease or coronary artery disease at a lower dose.
Note: When evaluating your options, remember that taking two antiplatelet medications or combining an anticoagulant with an antiplatelet medication can increase the risk of bleeding.
Cilostazol
Cilostazol works by inhibiting phosphodiesterase 3 and reducing platelet aggregation, delivering an antiplatelet effect. The FDA has approved this medication for treating intermittent claudication, which refers to leg pain resulting from restricted blood flow due to blockages in peripheral arteries.
Additionally, Cilostazol is sometimes used off-label for the long-term prevention of a second stroke.