Ticagrelor: uses, appearance and warnings

Ticagrelor tablets are a P2Y 12 platelet inhibitor indicated to reduce the risk of cardiovascular (CV) death, myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or a history of MI. For at least the first 12 months following ACS, it is superior to clopidogrel. Ticagrelor tablets also reduces the risk of stent thrombosis in patients who have been stented for treatment of ACS. (1.1) to reduce the risk of a first MI or stroke in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) at high risk for such events. While use is not limited to this setting, the efficacy of ticagrelor tablets were established in a population with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). (1.2) to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with acute ischemic stroke (NIH Stroke Scale score ≤ 5) or high-risk transient ischemic attack (TIA). ( 1.3 ) 1.1 Acute Coronary Syndrome or a History of Myocardial Infarction Ticagrelor tablets are indicated to reduce the risk of cardiovascular (CV) death, myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or a history of MI. For at least the first 12 months following ACS, it is superior to clopidogrel. Ticagrelor tablets also reduces the risk of stent thrombosis in patients who have been stented for treatment of ACS [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] . 1.2 Coronary Artery Disease but No Prior Stroke or Myocardial Infarction Ticagrelor tablets are indicated to reduce the risk of a first MI or stroke in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) at high risk for such events [see Clinical Studies (14.2) ] . While use is not limited to this setting, the efficacy of ticagrelor tablets were established in a population with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). 1.3 Acute Ischemic Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) Ticagrelor tablets are indicated to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with acute ischemic stroke (NIH Stroke Scale score ≤ 5) or high-risk transient ischemic attack (TIA) [see Clinical Studies (14.3) ] .

Ticagrelor tablets 60 mg are supplied as light pink, round shaped, film coated tablets debossed with “521” on one side and “SG” on the other side. Ticagrelor tablets 90 mg are supplied as yellow, round shaped, film coated tablets debossed with “522” on one side and “SG” on the other side. 60mg and 90 mg tablets. ( 3 )

Ticagrelor tablets 60 mg are supplied as light pink, round shaped, film coated tablets debossed with ‘521’ on one side and ‘SG’ on the other side. Bottle of 30's NDC 50228-521-30 Bottle of 60’s NDC 50228-521-60 Bottle of 1000's NDC 50228-521-10 Ticagrelor tablets 90 mg are supplied as yellow, round shaped, film coated tablets debossed with ‘522’ on one side and ‘SG’ on the other side. Bottle of 30's NDC 50228-522-30 Bottle of 60’s NDC 50228-522-60 Bottle of 1000's NDC 50228-522-10 Storage and Handling Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [see USP controlled room temperature].

History of intracranial hemorrhage. ( 4.1 ) Active pathological bleeding. ( 4.2 ) Hypersensitivity to ticagrelor or any component of the product. ( 4.3 ) 4.1 History of Intracranial Hemorrhage Ticagrelor tablets are contraindicated in patients with a history of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) because of a high risk of recurrent ICH in this population [see Clinical Studies (14.1) , (14.2) ] . 4.2 Active Bleeding Ticagrelor tablets are contraindicated in patients with active pathological bleeding such as peptic ulcer or intracranial hemorrhage [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . 4.3 Hypersensitivity Ticagrelor tablets are contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity (e.g., angioedema) to ticagrelor or any component of the product.

Dyspnea was reported more frequently with ticagrelor than with control agents in clinical trials. Dyspnea from ticagrelor is self-limiting. ( 5.3 ) Severe Hepatic Impairment: Likely increase in exposure to ticagrelor. ( 5.5 ) Laboratory Test Interference: False negative platelet functional test results have been reported for Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT). Ticagrelor is not expected to impact PF4 antibody testing for HIT. ( 5.7 ) 5.1 Risk of Bleeding Drugs that inhibit platelet function including ticagrelor increase the risk of bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Adverse Reactions (6.1) ]. Patients treated for acute ischemic stroke or TIA Patients at NIHSS > 5 and patients receiving thrombolysis were excluded from THALES and use of ticagrelor in such patients is not recommended. 5.2 Discontinuation of Ticagrelor in Patients Treated for Coronary Artery Disease Discontinuation of ticagrelor will increase the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and death in patients being treated for coronary artery disease. If ticagrelor must be temporarily discontinued (e.g., to treat bleeding or for significant surgery), restart it as soon as possible. When possible, interrupt therapy with ticagrelor for five days prior to surgery that has a major risk of bleeding. Resume ticagrelor as soon as hemostasis is achieved. 5.3 Dyspnea In clinical trials, about 14% (PLATO and PEGASUS) to 21% (THEMIS) of patients treated with ticagrelor developed dyspnea. Dyspnea was usually mild to moderate in intensity and often resolved during continued treatment but led to study drug discontinuation in 0.9% (PLATO), 1.0% (THALES), 4.3% (PEGASUS), and 6.9% (THEMIS) of patients. In a substudy of PLATO, 199 subjects underwent pulmonary function testing irrespective of whether they reported dyspnea. There was no indication of an adverse effect on pulmonary function assessed after one month or after at least 6 months of chronic treatment. If a patient develops new, prolonged, or worsened dyspnea that is determined to be related to ticagrelor, no specific treatment is required; continue ticagrelor without interruption if possible. In the case of intolerable dyspnea requiring discontinuation of ticagrelor, consider prescribing another antiplatelet agent. 5.4 Bradyarrhythmias Ticagrelor can cause ventricular pauses [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Bradyarrhythmias including AV block have been reported in the post-marketing setting. Patients with a history of sick sinus syndrome, 2 nd or 3 rd degree AV block or bradycardia-related syncope not protected by a pacemaker were excluded from clinical studies and may be at increased risk of developing bradyarrhythmias with ticagrelor. 5.5 Severe Hepatic Impairment Avoid use of ticagrelor in patients with severe hepatic impairment. Severe hepatic impairment is likely to increase serum concentration of ticagrelor. There are no studies of ticagrelor patients with severe hepatic impairment [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . 5.6 Central Sleep Apnea Central sleep apnea (CSA) including Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR) has been reported in the post-marketing setting in patients taking ticagrelor, including recurrence or worsening of CSA/CSR following rechallenge. If central sleep apnea is suspected, consider further clinical assessment. 5.7 Laboratory Test Interferences False negative functional tests for Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT) Ticagrelor has been reported to cause false negative results in platelet functional tests (including the heparin-induced platelet aggregation (HIPA) assay) for patients with Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT). This is related to inhibition of the P2Y 12 -receptor on the healthy donor platelets in the test by ticagrelor in the affected patient’s serum/plasma. Information on concomitant treatment with ticagrelor is required for interpretation of HIT functional tests. Based on the mechanism of ticagrelor interference, ticagrelor is not expected to impact PF4 antibody testing for HIT.

The following adverse reactions are also discussed elsewhere in the labeling: Bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Dyspnea [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Most common adverse reactions (> 5%) are bleeding and dyspnea. ( 5.1 , 5.3 , 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact ScieGen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at (1-855-724-3436) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Ticagrelor has been evaluated for safety in more than 58,000 patients. …

Avoid use with strong CYP3A inhibitors or CYP3A inducers. ( 7.1 , 7.2 ) Opioids: Decreased exposure to ticagrelor. Consider use of parenteral anti-platelet agent. ( 7.3 ) Patients receiving more than 40 mg per day of simvastatin or lovastatin, or more than 20 mg per day of rosuvastatin may be at increased risk of statin-related adverse effects. ( 7.4 ) Monitor digoxin levels with initiation of or any change in ticagrelor. ( 7.5 ) 7.1 Strong CYP3A Inhibitors Strong CYP3A inhibitors substantially increase ticagrelor exposure and so increase the risk of dyspnea, bleeding, and other adverse events. Avoid use of strong inhibitors of CYP3A (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, clarithromycin, nefazodone, ritonavir, saquinavir, nelfinavir, indinavir, atazanavir and telithromycin) [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . …