FDA Drug Safety Alert: Name Confusion Between Brintellix & Brilinta

The FDA has issued a warning for health care professionals and patients that confusion between Brintellix (vortioxetine) and Brilinta (ticagrelor) have resulted in the wrong medication being prescribed or dispensed to patients.

One of the drugs, Brintellix, is used for treating major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults and it is a part of an antidepressant called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The other drug, Brilinta, is used as an anti-platelet, anti-blood clotting medication that lowers the risk of a secondary heart attack or from dying from a heart problem after having severe chest pain or a heart attack.

Health care professionals suggest including the generic (established) name, the brand name, & the indication for use on the medication to clarify the differences and to lessen the confusion between the two. Patients taking the drugs should check the prescriptions to make sure they have the correct meds.

All parties involved should report adverse events or side effects related to the medication to the FDA's MedWatch Safety Information & Adverse Event Reporting Program:
- Complete & submit the report online at www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report
- Download form or call 1.800.332.1088 to request a reporting form, then complete & return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1.800.FDA.0178.

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