Package Leaflet: Information for the Patient
Orebriton, 90 mg, Film-Coated Tablets
Ticagrelor
Read all of this leaflet carefully before taking this medicine because it contains important information for you.
- Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
- If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their signs of illness are the same as yours.
- If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.
Contents of the Pack
- 1. What Orebriton is and what it is used for
- 2. Important information before taking Orebriton
- 3. How to take Orebriton
- 4. Possible side effects
- 5. How to store Orebriton
- 6. Contents of the pack and other information
1. What Orebriton is and what it is used for
What Orebriton is
Orebriton contains the active substance ticagrelor. It belongs to a group of medicines called antiplatelet medicines.
What Orebriton is used for
Orebriton is used in combination with acetylsalicylic acid (another antiplatelet medicine) in adults only. You have been given this medicine because you have had:
- a heart attack or
- unstable angina (chest pain or discomfort that is not well controlled). The medicine reduces the risk of having another heart attack or stroke, or of dying from a disease related to the heart or blood vessels.
How Orebriton works
Orebriton works by affecting cells in the blood called platelets. Platelets are very small blood cells that help to stop bleeding by clumping together and blocking the damaged area of the blood vessel.
However, platelets can also form clots in narrowed blood vessels in the heart or brain, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. This can be very dangerous because:
- a clot can completely block the blood flow, which can cause a heart attack (of the heart muscle) or stroke, or
- a clot can partially block the blood flow to the heart, reducing blood flow and causing chest pain that may come and go (unstable angina).
Orebriton helps prevent platelets from clumping together and forming clots, reducing the risk of a clot that could block blood flow.
2. Important information before taking Orebriton
When not to take Orebriton
- if you are allergic to ticagrelor or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6);
- if you are currently bleeding;
- if you have had a stroke caused by bleeding in the brain;
- if you have severe liver disease;
- if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- ketokonazole (used to treat fungal infections);
- clarithromycin (used to treat bacterial infections);
- nefazodone (an antidepressant);
- ritonavir and atazanavir (used to treat HIV and AIDS). Do not take Orebriton if any of the above applies to you. If you are in doubt, consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine.
Warnings and precautions
Before taking Orebriton, tell your doctor or pharmacist:
- if you have an increased risk of bleeding due to:
- a recent serious injury;
- recent surgery (including dental surgery - consult your dentist);
- a condition that affects blood clotting;
- recent bleeding from the stomach or intestines (such as stomach ulcers or intestinal polyps);
- if you are going to have surgery (including dental surgery) while taking Orebriton. This is because of an increased risk of bleeding. Your doctor may advise you to stop taking Orebriton 5 days before the planned surgery;
- if you have a slow heart rate (usually less than 60 beats per minute) and do not have a pacemaker;
- if you have asthma or other lung disease or breathing difficulties;
- if you develop breathing difficulties such as rapid or slow breathing or pauses in breathing. Your doctor will decide if further evaluation is needed;
- if you have any liver problems or have had a disease in the past that may have damaged your liver;
- if you have high levels of uric acid in your blood. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if any of the above applies to you (or if you are unsure).
If you are taking Orebriton and heparin:
- your doctor may take a blood sample for diagnostic tests if they suspect a rare platelet disorder caused by heparin. It is important to inform your doctor that you are taking both Orebriton and heparin, as Orebriton may affect the test result.
Children and adolescents
Orebriton should not be used in children and adolescents under 18 years of age.
Orebriton with other medicines
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the medicines you are taking, or have recently taken, and any you plan to take. This is because Orebriton may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect Orebriton.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- rosuvastatin (used to lower cholesterol levels);
- simvastatin or lovastatin in doses greater than 40 mg per day (used to lower cholesterol levels);
- rifampicin (an antibiotic);
- phenytoin, carbamazepine, and phenobarbital (used to control seizures);
- digoxin (used to treat heart failure);
- cyclosporin (used to weaken the immune system);
- quinidine and diltiazem (used to treat irregular heartbeat);
- beta-blockers and verapamil (used to treat high blood pressure);
- morphine and other opioids (used to treat severe pain).
Particularly, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following medicines that increase the risk of bleeding:
- oral anticoagulants, often called blood thinners, including warfarin;
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), often used as painkillers, such as ibuprofen and naproxen;
- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), used as antidepressants, such as paroxetine, sertraline, and citalopram;
- other medicines, such as ketoconazole (used to treat fungal infections), clarithromycin (used to treat bacterial infections), nefazodone (an antidepressant), ritonavir and atazanavir (used to treat HIV and AIDS), cisapride (used to treat heartburn), and ergot alkaloids (used to treat migraines and headaches).
You should also tell your doctor about taking Orebriton and the increased risk of bleeding if your doctor prescribes you fibrinolytic medicines, often called clot-dissolving medicines, such as streptokinase or alteplase.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.
Orebriton should not be used during pregnancy or if you are planning to become pregnant.
While taking Orebriton, women should use appropriate contraceptive methods to avoid becoming pregnant.
Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Your doctor will discuss the benefits and risks of taking Orebriton while breastfeeding.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.
Driving and using machines
Orebriton is unlikely to affect your ability to drive or use machines. However, if you experience dizziness or confusion while taking this medicine, be careful when driving or using machines.
Orebriton contains sodium
This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per dose, which is essentially sodium-free.
3. How to take Orebriton
Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. If you are unsure, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
How much to take
- The starting dose is two film-coated tablets (a loading dose of 180 mg) taken at the same time. This dose is usually given in a hospital;
- After the starting dose, the usual dose is one 90 mg film-coated tablet taken twice a day for up to 12 months, unless your doctor tells you otherwise;
- Take the medicine at the same time every day (e.g., one tablet in the morning and one in the evening).
Taking Orebriton with other medicines that prevent blood clotting
Your doctor will usually prescribe acetylsalicylic acid to be taken with Orebriton. This is a substance found in many medicines that prevent blood clotting. Your doctor will tell you what dose to take (usually between 75 and 150 mg per day).
How to take Orebriton
You can take the tablets with or without food.
What to do if you have difficulty swallowing the tablet
If you have difficulty swallowing the tablet, you can crush it and mix it with water as follows:
- Crush the tablet into a fine powder
- Put the powder into half a glass of water
- Mix and drink immediately
- To make sure you take all the medicine, refill the glass with half a glass of water, swirl, and drink. If you are in the hospital, the tablet can be mixed with water and given through a nasogastric tube.
What to do if you take more Orebriton than you should
If you take more Orebriton than you should, contact your doctor or go to the hospital immediately. Take the medicine pack with you. You may be at risk of bleeding.
What to do if you forget to take Orebriton
- If you forget to take a dose, take the next dose at the usual time.
- Do not take a double dose (two doses at the same time) to make up for a forgotten dose.
What to do if you stop taking Orebriton
Do not stop taking Orebriton without talking to your doctor. You should take the medicine regularly and for as long as your doctor tells you. Stopping Orebriton may increase the risk of having another heart attack or stroke, or of dying from a disease related to the heart or blood vessels.
If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
4. Possible side effects
Like all medicines, Orebriton can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
The following side effects may occur while taking this medicine:
Orebriton affects blood clotting, so most side effects are related to bleeding. Bleeding can occur anywhere in the body. Some bleeding is common (e.g., bruising and nosebleeds). Severe bleeding is less common but can be life-threatening.
Seek medical help immediately if you experience any of the following – you may need urgent medical attention:
- Bleeding in the brain or within the skull is an uncommon side effect and may cause stroke-like symptoms, such as:
- sudden numbness or weakness of the arms, legs, or face, especially if it occurs on one side of the body
- sudden confusion, difficulty speaking or understanding others
- sudden difficulty walking, loss of balance, or coordination
- sudden dizziness or severe headache without a known cause.
- Bleeding symptoms, such as:
- heavy or prolonged bleeding
- unexpected or prolonged bleeding
- urine that is pink, red, or brown
- vomiting blood or coffee ground-like material
- stool that is red or black (like tar)
- coughing or vomiting blood clots.
- Fainting
- temporary loss of consciousness due to a sudden decrease in blood flow to the brain (common).
- Symptoms related to a blood clotting disorder called thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), such as:
- fever and purple spots (called purpura) on the skin or in the mouth, with or without yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), unexplained severe tiredness or confusion.
Tell your doctor if you experience:
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea)- very common.It may be caused by heart disease or another cause, or it may be a side effect of Orebriton. Dyspnea related to Orebriton is usually mild and characterized by sudden, unexpected shortness of breath, usually at rest, which may occur during the first few weeks of treatment and then not occur for many weeks. If shortness of breath worsens or persists, contact your doctor. Your doctor will decide if treatment or further diagnostic tests are needed.
Other possible side effects
Very common(may affect more than 1 in 10 people)
- increased levels of uric acid in the blood (found in laboratory tests)
- bleeding caused by blood disorders
Common(may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
- bruising
- headache
- dizziness or lightheadedness
- diarrhea or indigestion
- nausea (feeling sick)
- constipation
- rash
- itching
- increased pain and swelling of the joints - these are symptoms of gout
- dizziness or lightheadedness or blurred vision - these are symptoms of low blood pressure
- nosebleeds
- bleeding after surgery or from cuts and wounds that is more than usual
- stomach bleeding (ulcer)
- bleeding gums
Uncommon(may affect up to 1 in 100 people)
- allergic reaction - rash, itching, swelling of the face or lips/tongue may be signs of an allergic reaction
- confusion
- vision problems caused by blood in the eye
- vaginal bleeding that is heavier or occurs at a different time than your regular menstrual period
- bleeding into the joints and muscles, causing painful swelling
- blood in the ear
- internal bleeding that may cause dizziness or lightheadedness.
Frequency not known(frequency cannot be estimated from the available data)
- abnormally low heart rate (usually less than 60 beats per minute)
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet.
Side effects can be reported to the national reporting system listed below.
You can also report side effects directly via the national reporting system.
By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
5. How to store Orebriton
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the blister and carton after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
No special storage precautions are required.
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help protect the environment.
6. Contents of the pack and other information
What Orebriton contains
- The active substance is ticagrelor. Each film-coated tablet contains 90 mg of ticagrelor.
- The other ingredients are: Tablet core: mannitol, calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate, sodium carboxymethylcellulose (type A), hypromellose 2910, magnesium stearate. Tablet coating: hypromellose, titanium dioxide (E 171), macrogol 400, yellow iron oxide (E 172), talc.
What Orebriton looks like and contents of the pack
Tablet: Round, biconvex, yellow tablets, 9 mm in diameter, with "90" engraved on one side.
Carton containing a transparent blister of PVC/PVDC/Aluminum foil, containing 10, 14, 28, 30, 56, 60, 100, or 168 film-coated tablets.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
Marketing authorization holder and manufacturer
Marketing authorization holder:
Zentiva k.s.
U kabelovny 130
Dolni Mecholupy
102 37 Prague 10
Czech Republic
Manufacturer:
Labormed-Pharma S.A.
Bulevardul Pallady Theodor 44 B
032266 Bucharest
Romania
Adalvo Limited
Malta Life Sciences Park, Building 1, Level 4
Sir Temi Zammit Buildings
San Gwann Industrial Estate
San Gwann, SGN 3000
Malta
This medicine is authorized in the Member States of the European Economic Area under the following names:
Estonia, Czech Republic, Poland, Greece Orebriton
Bulgaria Оребритон 90 mg филмирани таблетки
Croatia Orebriton 90 mg filmom obložene tablete
Slovakia Orebriton 90 mg
Romania Orebriton 90 mg comprimate filmate
For further information about this medicine, please contact the local representative of the marketing authorization holder:
Zentiva Polska Sp. z o.o.
ul. Bonifraterska 17
00-203 Warsaw
Tel.: +48 22 375 92 00
Date of last revision of the leaflet: November 2022