Abstract
* Ticagrelor (Brilinta) is a new antiplatelet drug approved to treat acute coronary syndrome.
* When given with low-dosage aspirin, it has been found to reduce thrombotic cardiovascular events and deaths more effectively than clopidogrel (Plavix).
* Adverse effects include bleeding and dyspnea. Patients who have recently had an intracranial hemorrhage, are currently bleeding, or who have other risk factors for bleeding shouldn't take ticagrelor.