From the Guidelines
It is generally not recommended to take Motrin (ibuprofen) with Brilinta (ticagrelor) due to the increased risk of bleeding complications. When considering the management of patients on antiplatelet therapy like Brilinta, it's crucial to be aware of potential drug interactions that could compromise the efficacy of the treatment or increase the risk of adverse effects. The use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin) with antiplatelet agents is a concern because both types of drugs affect platelet function, albeit through different mechanisms 1. Brilinta works by inhibiting the P2Y12 receptor on platelets, preventing their aggregation and thus reducing the risk of thrombotic events. On the other hand, NSAIDs like ibuprofen inhibit the production of prostaglandins, which can also affect platelet function and increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Key considerations for patients on Brilinta include:
- The potential for increased bleeding risk when combining Brilinta with NSAIDs like ibuprofen.
- The importance of consulting healthcare providers before taking any over-the-counter medications, including pain relievers, while on Brilinta.
- Alternative pain relief options, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), which may be safer for patients on antiplatelet therapy.
Given the potential for significant bleeding complications, the safest approach is to avoid combining Motrin with Brilinta unless explicitly advised by a healthcare provider. This precaution is in line with guidelines that emphasize the importance of careful management of antithrombotic therapy to balance the risk of thrombotic events against the risk of bleeding 1.
From the Research
Interaction between Motrin and Brilinta
- There are no direct studies on the interaction between Motrin (ibuprofen) and Brilinta (ticagrelor) in the provided evidence.
- However, the studies provide information on the efficacy and safety of ticagrelor in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and its comparison with other antiplatelet agents like clopidogrel and prasugrel 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- It is known that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet agents, but the specific interaction between Motrin and Brilinta is not addressed in the provided studies.
Efficacy and Safety of Ticagrelor
- Ticagrelor has been shown to be effective in reducing major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with ACS compared to clopidogrel 4.
- The safety of ticagrelor has been evaluated in several studies, and it has been found to have a similar risk of bleeding compared to clopidogrel 2, 4.
- However, the use of ticagrelor with aspirin has been associated with an increased risk of bleeding in some studies 3, 5.
Considerations for Concomitant Use
- When considering the concomitant use of Motrin and Brilinta, it is essential to weigh the potential benefits and risks, including the increased risk of bleeding.
- Patients should be closely monitored for signs of bleeding, and the dose of Motrin should be adjusted accordingly.
- It is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before taking Motrin with Brilinta, as they can provide personalized guidance based on individual patient factors and medical history.