Anagrelide (By mouth)
an-AG-re-lide
Treats thrombocythemia.
Drug classes
Platelet Reducing Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Anagrelide is used to decrease the risk of blood clots in patients who have thrombocythemia (too many platelets in the blood). It works to decrease production of platelets in the body.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Capsule
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines can affect how anagrelide works. Tell your doctor if you are using the following:
Amiodarone, amrinone, aspirin, chloroquine, cilostazol, ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, disopyramide, enoximone, haloperidol, methadone, milrinone, moxifloxacin, olprinone, omeprazole, ondansetron, procainamide, pimozide, sucralfate, or theophylline Blood thinner (such as warfarin) Medicine to treat depression NSAID pain or arthritis medicine (such as aspirin, celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen)When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to anagrelide, if you have severe liver disease, or a heart condition called congenital long QT syndrome (or specific risk factors for it).
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, bleeding problems, or any type of heart disease or condition (especially heart rhythm problems).
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Heart rhythm problems (such as QT prolongation) Increased risk of bleeding Interstitial lung diseaseDo not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely. The platelet levels in your blood will increase when you stop using this medicine.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Chest pain
Fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness
Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
Trouble breathing
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Cough, runny nose, or sore throat
Diarrhea, gas, nausea, or stomach pain or upset
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Agrylin
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
