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Key Terms: Platelets.

Definition

Anagrelide, also known by the brand name Agrylin, is used to treat patients with thrombocytosis, a condition in which patients have too many platelet cells in their blood. Platelets are a cell type formed in the bone marrow that are involved in the blood clotting process.

Purpose and Description

Anagrelide reduces the platelet count in patients with blood disorders.

Recommended Dosage

Adult patients taking anagrelide should receive 0.5 mg of the drug four times daily or one mg twice daily. Based on the response to therapy, the dose of anagrelide can be increased by 0.5 mg per day every seven to 14 days if necessary. The goal is to maintain platelets at a count of less than 600,000 at the lowest dose of the drug possible to keep side effects at a minimum.

Precautions

Patients with heart disease should be given anagrelide with caution. Anagrelide should be given with caution, if at all, in patients taking drugs that affect platelet aggregations such as aspirin, clopidrogel, ticlopodine, or non-steroidal agents.

Pregnant mothers should be warned that anagrelide administration may cause fetal abnormalities. Pregnant patients should consult their physician about the current state of knowledge regarding risks and alternatives before beginning administration of anagrelide. Female patients of childbearing age should attempt to avoid pregnancy while taking this drug. Mothers who are nursing should discontinue nursing while taking this drug.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of anagrelide are palpitations, fluid gain resulting in swelling, headaches, dizziness, diarrhea, stomach discomfort, mild to moderate nausea, passing gas, weakness, shortness of breath, and decreased platelets. Less common side effects of anagrelide include increased heart rate and chest pain, malaise, rash, vomiting, and decreased appetite. As with all medications, patients should contact their physician or nurse if any of these side effects occur.

Interactions

There are no proven interactions between anagrelide and other drugs. The drug sucralfate may interfere with the absorption of anagrelide. Prior to starting any over-the-counter medications, herbal medications, or new medications, patients should consult their physician, nurse, or pharmacist to prevent drug interactions.

—Michael Zuck, Ph.D.

Brand names: Agrylin®

Chemical formula:

Español:
• Cápsulas de anagrelida

Anagrelide capsules

What are anagrelide capsules?

ANAGRELIDE (Agrylin®) is used to treat essential thrombocytosis (too many blood clotting cells (platelets) in the body). Anagrelide lowers the number of platelets and reduces the risk of problems such as intestinal bleeding, stroke, and heart attack caused by having too many platelets. Generic anagrelide capsules are available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• heart, kidney, or liver disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to anagrelide, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take anagrelide capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the capsules with a drink of water.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with anagrelide?

• supplements that contain garlic, gingko, or ginger
• other medicines that may affect bleeding such as warfarin (Coumadin®)

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking anagrelide?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Do not stop taking anagrelide except on your prescriber's advice.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking anagrelide.

What side effects may I notice from taking anagrelide?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• difficulty breathing
• blood in urine
• fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
• palpitations, chest pain or tightness
• seizures
• severe headache
• unusual bleeding
• unusual swelling, not passing urine or difficulty passing urine
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• abdominal pain
• back pain
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• gas
• headache
• loss of appetite
• nausea, vomiting
• numbness or tingling in hands or feet
• skin itching or rash

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a child-proof container.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F) in a light-resistant container. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Last updated: 7/1/2002

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.

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