Severe diarrhoea due to use of P2Y12 inhibitor ticagrelor: a rarely reported adverse event

BMJ Case Rep. 2021 Jul 7;14(7):e242199. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2021-242199.

Abstract

Ticagrelor is a part of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) which has proven benefits in patients with acute coronary syndrome especially in those undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, like most other drugs, it can lead to undesired and adverse effects such as dyspnoea, easy bruising and gastrointestinal bleeding. We present a case of 70-year-old woman who developed diarrhoea following initiation of DAPT comprising of aspirin and ticagrelor following PCI. After excluding more common causes, it was attributed to ticagrelor administration and completely resolved after it was replaced with another oral antiplatelet agent. On follow-up, the patient reported complete resolution of symptoms.

Keywords: cardiovascular system; contraindications and precautions; ischaemic heart disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Coronary Syndrome* / drug therapy
  • Aged
  • Diarrhea / chemically induced
  • Female
  • Hemorrhage
  • Humans
  • Percutaneous Coronary Intervention*
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Purinergic P2Y Receptor Antagonists / adverse effects
  • Ticagrelor / adverse effects

Substances

  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
  • Purinergic P2Y Receptor Antagonists
  • Ticagrelor