Cangrelor is a prescription medicine (P2Y12 Platelet Inhibitor). The sections below reproduce one FDA label for it, named under "Label". Products in other forms, strengths or from other makers have their own labels, which can differ.
- Type
- Prescription only (Rx)
- Brand names
- Kengreal
- Drug class
- P2Y12 Platelet Inhibitor
- Taken
- Intravenous
- Label
- Chiesi USA, Inc., revised October 21, 2025 · full label on DailyMed
- Generic
- FDA-approved (2 companies) · details
What it is used for
KENGREAL is indicated as an adjunct to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to reduce the risk of periprocedural myocardial infarction (MI), repeat coronary revascularization, and stent thrombosis (ST) in patients who have not been treated with a P2Y 12 platelet inhibitor and are not being given a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 )]. KENGREAL is a P2Y 12 platelet inhibitor indicated as an adjunct to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for reducing the risk of periprocedural myocardial infarction (MI), repeat coronary revascularization, and stent thrombosis (ST) in patients in who have not been treated with a P2Y 12 platelet inhibitor and are not being given a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor. ( 1 )
Forms and strengths
For Injection: 50 mg of KENGREAL lyophilized powder in a single-use 10 mL glass vial for reconstitution. Single-use 10 mL vial containing 50 mg KENGREAL as a lyophilized powder for reconstitution ( 3.0 )
Who should not take it (contraindications)
Significant active bleeding ( 4.1 ) Hypersensitivity to KENGREAL or any component of the product ( 4.2 )
4.1 Significant Active Bleeding KENGREAL is contraindicated in patients with significant active bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) and Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] .
4.2 Hypersensitivity KENGREAL is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylaxis) to KENGREAL or any component of the product [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] .
4.1 Significant Active Bleeding KENGREAL is contraindicated in patients with significant active bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) and Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] .
4.2 Hypersensitivity KENGREAL is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylaxis) to KENGREAL or any component of the product [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] .
Warnings and precautions
Bleeding: Like other drugs that inhibit platelet P2Y 12 function, KENGREAL can increase the risk of bleeding ( 5.1 )
5.1 Bleeding Drugs that inhibit platelet P2Y 12 function, including KENGREAL, increase the risk of bleeding. In CHAMPION PHOENIX bleeding events of all severities were more common with KENGREAL than with clopidogrel [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . Bleeding complications with KENGREAL were consistent across a variety of clinically important subgroups (see Figure 1). Once KENGREAL is discontinued, there is no antiplatelet effect after an hour [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] .
5.1 Bleeding Drugs that inhibit platelet P2Y 12 function, including KENGREAL, increase the risk of bleeding. In CHAMPION PHOENIX bleeding events of all severities were more common with KENGREAL than with clopidogrel [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . Bleeding complications with KENGREAL were consistent across a variety of clinically important subgroups (see Figure 1). Once KENGREAL is discontinued, there is no antiplatelet effect after an hour [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] .
Side effects (adverse reactions)
The following adverse reactions are also discussed elsewhere in the labeling: Bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] The most common adverse reaction is bleeding. ( 5.1 , 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Chiesi USA, Inc. at 1-888-661-9260 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .
6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reactions rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The safety of KENGREAL has been evaluated in 13,301 subjects in controlled trials, in whom, 5,529 were in the CHAMPION PHOENIX trial. Bleeding There was a greater incidence of bleeding with KENGREAL than with clopidogrel. No baseline demographic factor altered the relative risk of bleeding with KENGREAL (see Table 1 and Figure 1). Table 1: Major Bleeding Results in the CHAMPION PHOENIX Study (Non-CABG related Bleeding) a CHAMPION PHOENIX KENGREAL (N=5529) Clopidogrel (N=5527) Any GUSTO bleeding, n (%) 857 (15.5) 602 (10.9) Severe/life-threatening b 11 (0.2) 6 (0.1) Moderate c 21 (0.4) 14 (0.3) Mild d 825 (14.9) 582 (10.5) Any TIMI bleeding, n (%) 45 (0.8) 17 (0.3) Major e 12 (0.2) 6 (0.1) Minor f 33 (0.6) 11 (0.2) Abbreviations: GUSTO: Global Utilization of Streptokinase and Tissue Plasminogen Activator for Occluded Arteries; TIMI: Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction a Safety population is all randomized subjects who received at least one dose of study drug b intracranial hemorrhage or bleeding resulting in substantial hemodynamic compromise requiring treatment c requiring blood transfusion but not resulting in hemodynamic compromise d all other bleeding not included in severe or moderate e any intracranial hemorrhage, or any overt bleeding associated with a reduction in hemoglobin of ≥5 g/dL (or, when hemoglobin is not available, an absolute reduction in hematocrit ≥15%) f any overt sign of bleeding (including observation by imaging techniques) that is associated with a reduction in hemoglobin of ≥3 g/dL and <5 g/dL (or, when hemoglobin is not available, an absolute reduction in hematocrit of ≥9% and <15%) Figure 1 : Bleeding Results in the CHAMPION PHOENIX Study a (All Non-CABG related) a Safety population is all randomized subjects who received at least one dose of study drug Note: The figure above presents effects in various subgroups most of which are baseline characteristics and most of which were pre-specified (patient presentation and weight were not pre-specified subgroups). The 95% confidence limits that are shown do not take into account how many comparisons were made, nor do they reflect the effect of a particular factor after adjustment for all other factors. Apparent homogeneity or heterogeneity among groups should not be over-interpreted. Drug Discontinuation In CHAMPION PHOENIX the rate of discontinuation for bleeding events was 0.3% for KENGREAL and 0.1% for clopidogrel. Discontinuation for non-bleeding adverse events was low and similar for KENGREAL (0.6%) and for clopidogrel (0.4%). Coronary artery dissection, coronary artery perforation, and dyspnea were the most frequent events leading to discontinuation in patients treated with KENGREAL. Non -Bleeding Adverse Reactions Hypersensitivity Serious cases of hypersensitivity were more frequent with KENGREAL (7/13301) than with control (2/12861). These included anaphylactic reactions, anaphylactic shock, bronchospasm, angioedema, and stridor. Decreased renal function Worsening renal function was reported in 3.2% of KENGREAL patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min) compared to 1.4% of clopidogrel patients with severe renal impairment. Dyspnea Dyspnea was reported more frequently in patients treated with KENGREAL (1.3%) than with control (0.4%). Figure 1: Bleeding Results in the CHAMPION PHOENIX Studya (All Non-CABG related)
6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reactions rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The safety of KENGREAL has been evaluated in 13,301 subjects in controlled trials, in whom, 5,529 were in the CHAMPION PHOENIX trial. Bleeding There was a greater incidence of bleeding with KENGREAL than with clopidogrel. No baseline demographic factor altered the relative risk of bleeding with KENGREAL (see Table 1 and Figure 1). Table 1: Major Bleeding Results in the CHAMPION PHOENIX Study (Non-CABG related Bleeding) a CHAMPION PHOENIX KENGREAL (N=5529) Clopidogrel (N=5527) Any GUSTO bleeding, n (%) 857 (15.5) 602 (10.9) Severe/life-threatening b 11 (0.2) 6 (0.1) Moderate c 21 (0.4) 14 (0.3) Mild d 825 (14.9) 582 (10.5) Any TIMI bleeding, n (%) 45 (0.8) 17 (0.3) Major e 12 (0.2) 6 (0.1) Minor f 33 (0.6) 11 (0.2) Abbreviations: GUSTO: Global Utilization of Streptokinase and Tissue Plasminogen Activator for Occluded Arteries; TIMI: Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction a Safety population is all randomized subjects who received at least one dose of study drug b intracranial hemorrhage or bleeding resulting in substantial hemodynamic compromise requiring treatment c requiring blood transfusion but not resulting in hemodynamic compromise d all other bleeding not included in severe or moderate e any intracranial hemorrhage, or any overt bleeding associated with a reduction in hemoglobin of ≥5 g/dL (or, when hemoglobin is not available, an absolute reduction in hematocrit ≥15%) f any overt sign of bleeding (including observation by imaging techniques) that is associated with a reduction in hemoglobin of ≥3 g/dL and <5 g/dL (or, when hemoglobin is not available, an absolute reduction in hematocrit of ≥9% and <15%) Figure 1 : Bleeding Results in the CHAMPION PHOENIX Study a (All Non-CABG related) a Safety population is all randomized subjects who received at least one dose of study drug Note: The figure above presents effects in various subgroups most of which are baseline characteristics and most of which were pre-specified (patient presentation and weight were not pre-specified subgroups). The 95% confidence limits that are shown do not take into account how many comparisons were made, nor do they reflect the effect of a particular factor after adjustment for all other factors. Apparent homogeneity or heterogeneity among groups should not be over-interpreted. Drug Discontinuation In CHAMPION PHOENIX the rate of discontinuation for bleeding events was 0.3% for KENGREAL and 0.1% for clopidogrel. Discontinuation for non-bleeding adverse events was low and similar for KENGREAL (0.6%) and for clopidogrel (0.4%). Coronary artery dissection, coronary artery perforation, and dyspnea were the most frequent events leading to discontinuation in patients treated with KENGREAL. Non -Bleeding Adverse Reactions Hypersensitivity Serious cases of hypersensitivity were more frequent with KENGREAL (7/13301) than with control (2/12861). These included anaphylactic reactions, anaphylactic shock, bronchospasm, angioedema, and stridor. Decreased renal function Worsening renal function was reported in 3.2% of KENGREAL patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min) compared to 1.4% of clopidogrel patients with severe renal impairment. Dyspnea Dyspnea was reported more frequently in patients treated with KENGREAL (1.3%) than with control (0.4%). Figure 1: Bleeding Results in the CHAMPION PHOENIX Studya (All Non-CABG related)
Drug interactions
Clopidogrel: Do not administer during KENGREAL infusion. ( 7.1 ) Prasugrel: Do not administer during KENGREAL infusion. ( 7.1 )
7.1 Thienopyridines Clopidogrel or prasugrel administered during KENGREAL infusion will have no antiplatelet effect until the next dose is administered. Therefore, administer clopidogrel or prasugrel after KENGREAL infusion is discontinued [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )].
7.1 Thienopyridines Clopidogrel or prasugrel administered during KENGREAL infusion will have no antiplatelet effect until the next dose is administered. Therefore, administer clopidogrel or prasugrel after KENGREAL infusion is discontinued [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )].
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, children and older adults
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no available data on cangrelor use in pregnant women to evaluate for a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Untreated myocardial infarction can be fatal to the pregnant women and fetus ( see Clinical Considerations ). In animal reproduction studies, continuous infusion of cangrelor in pregnant rats and rabbits throughout organogenesis at dose approximately 2-times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) did not result in fetal malformations ( see Data ). The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-associated maternal and/or embryo/fetal risk Myocardial infarction is a medical emergency in pregnancy which can be fatal to the pregnant woman and fetus if left untreated. Life-sustaining therapy for the pregnant woman should not be withheld due to potential concerns regarding the effects of cangrelor on the fetus. Labor or delivery Cangrelor use during labor and delivery may increase the risk for maternal bleeding and hemorrhage. Performance of neuraxial blockade procedures is not advised during cangrelor use due to potential risk of spinal hematoma. When possible, discontinue cangrelor 1 hour prior to labor, delivery, or neuraxial blockade [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )]. Data Animal Data A prenatal and postnatal development study in female rats demonstrated a slight increase in the incidence of maternal mortality in dams treated at doses up to 30 mcg/kg/min (approximately 7.5 times the MRHD) cangrelor continuous infusion from Day 6 of gestation up to Day 23 post-partum. Pregnancy rates, gestation index, length of gestation, numbers of live, dead and malformed pups, sex ratio, live birth index, and lactation of the maternal animals were unaffected. Cangrelor administered at dose levels of ≥ 3 mcg/kg/min in pregnant rats from Day 6 to 17 post-coitum resulted in dose-related fetal growth retardation characterized by increased incidences of incomplete ossification and unossified hind limb metatarsals. An embryo-fetal development study in rabbits administered 4, 12, or 36 mcg/kg/min cangrelor continuous IV infusion from Day 6 to Day 19 post-coitum resulted in increased incidences of abortion and intrauterine losses at ≥12 mcg/kg/min (3 times the MRHD). Fetal growth retardation occurred at 36 mcg/kg/min (9 times the MRHD) and was characterized by decreased fetal weights, slight reduction in ossification, and a slight increase in skeletal variants. Cangrelor did not produce malformations in either the rat or rabbit embryo-fetal development studies and is not considered to be a teratogen.
8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There are no data on the presence of cangrelor in human milk or animal milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. However, due to its short-half life, cangrelor exposure is expected to be very low in the breastfed infant.
8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.
8.5 Geriatric Use In CHAMPION PHOENIX, 18% of patients were ≥75 years. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these patients and those patients <75 years [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 )] .
8.6 Renal Impairment No dosage adjustment is required for patients with mild, moderate, or severe renal impairment [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] .
8.7 Hepatic Impairment KENGREAL has not been studied in patients with hepatic impairment. However, the metabolism of KENGREAL is not dependent of hepatic function, so dosage adjustment is not required for patients with hepatic impairment [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] .
How it works
Cangrelor is a direct P2Y 12 platelet receptor inhibitor that blocks ADP-induced platelet activation and aggregation. Cangrelor binds selectively and reversibly to the P2Y 12 receptor to prevent further signaling and platelet activation.
Is there a generic Cangrelor?
Yes. The FDA has approved generic Cangrelor from 2 companies whose approvals are active. The earliest of these was approved in 2025.
An FDA approval does not always mean the generic is already in pharmacies: patent disputes and settlements can delay a launch for years. Your pharmacist can tell you whether a generic is actually available and covered by your plan.
The FDA rates these generics as therapeutically equivalent to the brand ("A" rating): same active ingredient, strength, dosage form and effect. Pharmacists can usually substitute them unless the prescriber says otherwise.
Companies with an approved generic
Gland, Msn
Brand-name versions
- Kengreal Chiesi, approved 2015
Source: Drugs@FDA (via openFDA), checked October 29, 2026. Marketing status is what companies report to the FDA; whether a pharmacy stocks a product, and what your insurance covers, can differ.
Dosage:
we do not reproduce dosing instructions. The right dose depends on the person and the condition and is set by the prescriber or pharmacist. Dosage section of the full label.
Cangrelor in the news
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Source: FDA structured product labeling, retrieved through openFDA. Label text is shown as published by the FDA, without editing; long sections are shortened, marked […]. openFDA data are not validated for clinical use — always check the current label and ask a doctor or pharmacist about your own treatment. Set ID 88b434fa-8891-4fd5-9d86-7ea64667c08f.