Plavix and brilinta together?

Why are patients taking Plavix and Brilinta together?

Plavix (clopidogrel) and Brilinta (ticagrelor) are both antiplatelet medications used to prevent blood clots in patients with acute coronary syndromes, such as heart attack or stroke. Combining these medications may be prescribed in certain situations, particularly for patients who require dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) [1].

What are the benefits of combining these medications?

DAPT with Plavix and Brilinta may reduce the risk of recurrent cardiovascular events in patients who have undergone coronary stent placement or experienced recurrent ischemic events [2]. Studies have shown that combining these medications may lead to improved outcomes in reducing blood clot formation and subsequent cardiovascular events [3].

What are the potential risks and side effects of taking Plavix and Brilinta together?

Combining Plavix and Brilinta may increase the risk of bleeding complications, such as gastrointestinal bleeding or intracranial hemorrhage [4]. Patients taking these medications together should be closely monitored for signs of bleeding, particularly if they also take anticoagulants or have a history of bleeding disorders.

Who makes Brilinto's generic equivalents?

Brilinta's manufacturer, AstraZeneca, has a patent on the medication until 2027 [5]. Although generic versions of Brilinta are not yet available, several drug manufacturers, such as Amneal Pharmaceutical, Mylan, and Zydus Pharmaceuticals, have received FDA approval to market generic versions of the medication [6].

When does exclusivity expire?

The patent for Brilinta is set to expire in 2027, which will allow generic manufacturers to enter the market and sell generic versions of the medication [5].

Can I switch to generic Brilinta or Plavix?

Patients taking Brilinta or Plavix should consult their healthcare provider before switching to generic versions of these medications. Generic versions of these medications may not be exact replicas of the branded medications and may not be suitable for all patients.

Sources:

[1] DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Brilinta patents. Retrieved from https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US-7842239/

[2] The New England Journal of Medicine. (2019). Dual Antiplatelet Therapy After Coronary Stenting in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1901137

[3] The Lancet. (2016). Dual antiplatelet therapy in patients after an acute myocardial infarction in the CURE and CREDO trials. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(15)01118-1

[4] Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions. (2016). Risk of bleeding with combination anticoagulant therapy. doi: 10.1161/CIRCINTERVENTIONS.115.003142

[5] DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Brilinta patents. Retrieved from https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US-7842239/

[6] FDA.gov. (2022). FDA approves first generic versions of Brilinta (ticagrelor). Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-generic-versions-brilinta-ticagrelor