Foods to Avoid While Taking Brilinta - Dietary Precautions

Foods to Avoid While Taking Brilinta

Brilinta (ticagrelor) is an antiplatelet medication used to prevent blood clots in people with heart disease. It works by preventing platelets from sticking together and forming clots. However, Brilinta can interact with some foods and beverages. Being aware of what dietary choices to avoid with Brilinta is important.

How Does Brilinta Work?

Brilinta is a P2Y12 platelet inhibitor. It blocks the P2Y12 ADP receptor on platelets to prevent activation and aggregation. This blood thinning effect helps prevent dangerous clots from forming in blood vessels and reduces the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Brilinta is commonly prescribed for patients after a heart attack or stent placement to prevent future cardiovascular events. It is taken twice daily with or without food.

Why Avoid Certain Foods with Brilinta?

While Brilinta itself does not interact directly with foods, its blood thinning effects can be impacted by other substances. Consuming foods and drinks that also act as anticoagulants or impact platelet function can increase bleeding risk when combined with Brilinta.

Foods that contain vitamin K, omega-3s, antioxidants, alcohol, and caffeine warrant caution with Brilinta. These can enhance Brilintas action and raise the chance of bruising or bleeding.

Vitamin K Rich Foods

Vitamin K plays an essential role in blood clotting. Foods rich in vitamin K can counteract the effects of Brilinta and decrease its efficacy. It is recommended to limit but not necessarily avoid vitamin K foods completely.

Some vitamin K rich foods to use moderately with Brilinta include:

• Green leafy vegetables - kale, spinach, lettuce, collards
• Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage
• Asparagus, green beans
• Avocados
• Soybeans, edamame

Try to keep vitamin K intake consistent while taking Brilinta. Sudden increases or decreases can impact clotting ability. Speak to a dietitian about your vitamin K intake.

Foods With Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids, found abundantly in fish, have natural blood thinning effects. Eating foods high in omega-3s could intensify the anticoagulant action of Brilinta.

Limiting omega-3 rich foods like:

• Fatty fish - salmon, mackerel, sardines, tuna
• Fish oil supplements
• Walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds
• Fortified foods - eggs, yogurt, juice

Aiming for two or fewer servings of fatty fish per week and avoiding fish oil supplements is recommended with Brilinta. Speak with your doctor.

Foods and Drinks With Caffeine

Caffeine has mild blood thinning effects and may interact with Brilinta. Limiting caffeine from:

• Coffee, tea, soda
• Energy drinks
• Chocolate

Ideally, consume less than 200-300 mg of caffeine daily, or about 2-3 cups of coffee. Caffeine also increases heart rate, which is not advised with Brilinta.

Alcoholic Beverages

Alcohol inhibits platelets, so combining it with Brilinta could increase bleeding risk. It may also alter the metabolism of Brilinta in the body. Limit alcohol intake to:

• 1 drink per day for women
• 2 drinks per day for men

One drink equals 12 oz beer, 5 oz wine, or 1.5 oz liquor. Additionally, avoid binge drinking while taking Brilinta.

Grapefruit Juice

Drinking grapefruit juice with Brilinta is not advised. Grapefruit can increase blood levels of ticagrelor and strengthen its anticoagulant effects to dangerous levels. Switch to other juices like orange, apple, or cranberry.

Herbal Supplements

Some herbal remedies like ginkgo, garlic, ginger, ginseng, and St. Johns wort have blood thinning properties. They could compound the effects of Brilinta. Refrain from using herbal supplements without your doctors approval.

Licorice Root

Licorice root is sometimes used for digestive issues. However, it can interact with Brilinta by enhancing its antiplatelet activity. Avoid licorice candy, teas, and supplements.

Foods High in Antioxidants

Antioxidants like lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta carotene may theoretically interact with Brilinta, but this is not well established. Until more evidence is available, use caution with antioxidant-rich foods like:

• Tomatoes, watermelon, red peppers
• Carrots, sweet potatoes, mangoes
• Spinach, kale, broccoli
• Nuts and seeds

Foods High in Vitamin E

High dose vitamin E supplements are not advised with Brilinta, as vitamin E can thin the blood. But vitamin E naturally present in foods is likely okay. Still, limit intake of vitamin E rich foods such as:

• Wheat germ, sunflower seeds, almonds
• Spinach, broccoli, tomatoes
• Corn oil, soybean oil
• Hazelnuts, pine nuts

Should Antiplatelet Diets be Followed?

Some sources recommend following a specific antiplatelet diet with medications like Brilinta. This encourages fruits, vegetables, fiber, and restricted sodium intake.

Overall heart-healthy eating is encouraged, but completely avoiding all foods that interact with Brilinta may be unrealistic. A balanced approach is best. Discuss your diet with your doctor.

Tips for Taking Brilinta

Some tips when taking Brilinta include:

• Take Brilinta exactly as prescribed
• Tell your doctor about any new medications
• Rinse mouth after taking dose to avoid mouth sores
• Notify your doctor of any bleeding concerns
• Carry medical ID noting you take a blood thinner

Being consistent with your diet can help keep Brilintas blood thinning effect steady. Seek guidance from your doctor or pharmacist about dietary changes.

The Bottom Line

Some dietary modifications are recommended when taking the antiplatelet drug Brilinta to prevent excessive bleeding risk. Limiting vitamin K, omega-3s, alcohol, antioxidants, and caffeine is generally advised.

Avoiding all potentially interacting foods is not necessary, rather moderation and consistency is key. Speak with your healthcare provider about diet and lifestyle changes to follow while taking Brilinta.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.