Generic Name: anagrelide (an AH gre lide)Brand Names: Agrylin
Anagrelide lowers the number of blood clotting cells (platelets) in the body, which helps prevent blood clots from forming.
Anagrelide is used to treat a condition called thrombocythemia (also called thrombocytosis). Thrombocythemia is a blood cell disorder in which too many platelet cells are produced, causing bleeding or blood-clotting problems.
Anagrelide may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Agrylin (anagrelide)?You should not use this medication if you are allergic to anagrelide, or if you have moderate to severe liver or kidney disease.Before you take anagrelide, tell your doctor if you have heart disease, kidney disease, or liver disease.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition and not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney and liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled appointments. Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are taking anagrelide, especially if you need to have any type of surgery.
Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly can make your condition worse very quickly.Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as dry cough, trouble breathing, swelling, fast or pounding heartbeats, chest pain, sudden numbness or weakness, confusion, problems with speech or balance, severe stomach pain, seizure, fainting, blood in your urine or stools, easy bruising or bleeding, or unusual weakness.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Agrylin (anagrelide)?You should not use this medication if you are allergic to anagrelide, or if you have moderate to severe liver or kidney disease.If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before you take anagrelide, tell your doctor if you have:
heart disease or congestive heart failure;
Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition and not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney and liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly can make your condition worse very quickly. If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using anagrelide. Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are taking anagrelide. Store anagrelide at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.See also: Agrylin dosage in more detail
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Overdose can cause vomiting, or fast heart rate.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with anagrelide and lead to potentially dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit products with your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.
dry cough, wheezing, night sweats;
feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
swelling, rapid weight gain;
fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeats;
chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;
sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
fever, chills, flu symptoms;
severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate;
seizure (convulsions);
feeling like you might pass out;
black, bloody, or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness; or
blood in your urine, painful or difficult urination.
Less serious side effects may include:
dizziness, mild headache;
mild rash or itching;
constipation, diarrhea, gas;
loss of appetite, mild nausea or stomach pain;
numbness or tingly feeling in your hands or feet;
sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, nosebleed;
muscle or joint pain;
sleep problems (insomnia); or
blurred vision, ringing in your ears.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Tell your doctor if you also use:
fluvoxamine (Luvox);
theophylline (Elixophyllin, Theo-24, Uniphyl);
birth control pills; or
medication to treat congestive heart failure, such as amrinone (inamrinone, Inocor), enoximone (Perfan), or milrinone (Primacor).
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with anagrelide. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.