ANAGRELIDE

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Agrylin

GENERIC NAME(S): ANAGRELIDE HCL

 

Description: Anagrelide reduces the production of platelets and inhibits the aggregation of platelets at high concentrations.

Anagrelide is used to blocking their production of platelets and for the treatment of thrombocythemia.  Thromobocythemia causes your bone marrow to make too many platelets which can be harmful to the body.

How to use anagrelide

Take by mouth with or without food, usually 2 or 4 times a day. or as directed by your doctor. Children or people with liver problems may start out with a low dose and adjustments by the doctor will be done. Do not take more than 2.5 milligrams in a single dose or more than a total of 10 milligrams in a day. Use this medication regularly.  Your doctor will monitor your blood counts for follow up.

Common side effects include: Headache, diarrhea, weakness, nausea, gas, loss of appetite, and dizziness may occur.

Serious side effects, including: unusual bleeding/bruising, black stools, swelling of the ankles/feet, rapid/difficult breathing, stomach/abdominal pain, unusual tiredness, change in the amount of urine, pink/bloody urine, vomit that looks like coffee grounds; chest/jaw/left arm pain, confusion/mental changes, severe dizziness, fainting, fast/irregular/pounding heartbeat, seizures, slurred speech, vision changes, weakness on one side of the body.

Contact your doctor if you experience allergic reactions or symptoms mentioned above.

Precautions

Inform your doctor or pharmacist your allergies, medical history, especially of: heart problems (e.g., heart attack, irregular heartbeat), lung problems, kidney problems, liver problems. This drug affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation) characterized by fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right away. Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation.

Avoid activities that require alertness as this drug can make you dizzy.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women must consult their doctor first before using this medication.

 

Interactions

Sucralfate may interact with Anagrelide.

Aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding when used with anagrelide.  Take only Aspirin if your doctor prescribes it.

Other drugs that cause QT prolongation include amiodarone, chloroquine, clarithromycin, disopyramide, haloperidol, methadone, moxifloxacin, pimozide, procainamide, among others.

Overdose

Get emergency medical help when overdose is suspected.

Missed Dose: As soon as you remember, take a regular dose or if the time of the next does is near, wait for it before taking another dose and resume your usual schedule.  Do not increase the dose to compensate for the missed dose.

Storage: Store medication in room temperature.  Do not expose to light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from pets and children.  Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour into a drain.

 

Brands

Also marketed as

  • Agrylin [ Shire Pharma ]
  • Thromboreductin [ Hospira ]

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