The FDA warned that errors in prescriptions and medications dispensed have occurred because of confusion between an anti-blood clotting medication and an antidepressant that have similar names.
As of June, the FDA had received 50 reports of medication errors between ticagrelor (Brilinta, AstraZeneca) and vortioxetine (Brintellix, Takeda and Lundbeck), according to a July 30 safety announcement. The agency said it had not found that a patient ingested the wrong medication, but it added that the errors have continued.
Ticagrelor, an antiplatelet medication, is used to lower the risk of a recurrent heart attack or death from a heart problem following a heart attack or severe chest pain. It is dispensed in a round tablet with a “90” above a “T” stamped on one side.
Vortioxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, is used to treat major depressive disorder. It is dispensed in a tear-shaped tablet with “TL” on one side and a number with the tablet strength on the other side. The drug is available in 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg and 20 mg tablets.
Executive Editor
Tim Casey joined TriMed Media Group in 2015 as Executive Editor. For the previous four years, he worked as an editor and writer for HMP Communications, primarily focused on covering managed care issues and reporting from medical and health care conferences. He was also a staff reporter at the Sacramento Bee for more than four years covering professional, college and high school sports. He earned his undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Notre Dame and his MBA degree from Georgetown University.