top of page

All about Anagrelide

Updated: May 7, 2021

Anagrelide is prescribed for the treatment of patients with essential thrombocytosis to myeloproliferative neoplasms.

Essential Thrombocythemia is a condition in which there are excess platelets (the little cells which help the blood to clot) in the blood.

Although, the myeloproliferative neoplasms are the kind of diseases in which single or multiple types of cells that make up the blood are being overproduced.



How should anagrelide be used?

This medication comes in the form of capsules, which should be consumed by mouth. It should usually be consumed either with or without food, 2 to 4 times a day. Consume anagrelide 0.5 mg at around common times each day. Consume it exactly as your healthcare professionals instructed.


How does Agrylin work: The way anagrelide hydrochloride works in the body in order to reduce the platelet count is not fully specified.

This drug specifically reduces the number of platelets directly by affecting the cells that are involved in producing platelets. Its action specifically slows down the production of platelets.

Although anagrelide reduces the platelet counts to excess normal levels, it does not affect the body's natural process to clot blood when needed.


Side Effects: The most commonly reported anagrelide side effects may include:

  • Abdominal pain

  • Back pain

  • Cough

  • Digestive problems

  • Headache

  • Diarrhea

  • Fatigue

  • Fever

  • Gas

  • Loss of appetite

  • Malaise

  • Nausea

  • Itching of skin

  • Sore throat

  • Tingling

  • Vomiting,

  • Whirling sensation

Apart from these side effects, you may also experience other adverse reactions during essential thrombocytosis treatment:

  • Bruises

  • Chills

  • Flushing

  • Hair loss

  • Neck pain

  • Sweating

  • Dry mouth

  • Constipation

  • Ear problems

  • Nervousness

  • Skin problems

  • Flu symptoms

  • Changes in weight

  • Respiratory disease

  • Infection of the sinuses

  • Muscle and bone pain

  • Insomnia (difficulty falling asleep)


Warnings & Precautions:

  • Prior to taking this drug, talk to your doctor if you have heart, lung, liver or kidney disease.

  • The anagrelide capsules are not recommended to be consumed by women who are pregnant or may become pregnant.

  • This medication should be avoided if you're breastfeeding.

  • In some cases, anagrelide uses with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) may be responsible for the risk of major bleeding events.

  • Caution is required while driving the vehicles or machinery.


When it should not be taken: You should avoid taking anagrelide 1 mg if you:

  • Have severe liver disease

  • Are allergic to anagrelide or any of the other nonmedicinal ingredients.

  • Have born with or belongs to family history of prolonged QT interval.


What are the interactions with this medication?

Grapefruit juice may interact with anagrelide capsules. Food may be responsible for slowing down the rate at which this medicine is usually absorbed into the body.

Also, there are some drugs that may interact with this medication, which are as:

  • acetylsalicylic acid

  • fluvoxamine

  • ciprofloxacin

  • omeprazole

  • theophylline

  • milrinone

  • sucralfate

  • CYP1A2 substrates/inhibitors/inducers

  • medicines, responsible for altering heart rhythm


Overdose: In an event of drug overdose, contact a health care practitioner, even if there are no symptoms. Possible symptoms of an overdose of anagrelide may include low platelet count, which may be responsible for causing bleeding and reductions in blood pressure.


Missed Dose: In an event of missed/forget dose, contact your healthcare provider.


How to store it: Store agrylin from 15°C to 25°C in a light-resistant container. Must be placed out of the reach as well as sight of children.


FAQ


What is the brand name of Anagrelide?

Agrylin is the brand name of Anagrelide.


What are the commonly reported side effects due to Anagrelide?

The commonly reported side effects due to anagrelide are diarrhea, headache, unusual weakness, unusual fatigue, hair loss, and nausea.


How to take Anagrelide?

Anagrelide comes as a capsule in order to be taken by mouth. It usually should be taken either with or without food 2 to 4 times a day. Anagrelide should be taken at around the same times each day.


Is anagrelide a chemotherapy medication?

The anagrelide basically is not a chemotherapy medication; although, certain hospitals classify anagrelide as a form of chemotherapy because this agent interferes with the development of cells, and prescribing regulations are identical to those governing a chemo medication.



NOTE: The piece of information mentioned about "All about Anagrelide" in this article is just for the informational purposes and is not served as a substitute for medical treatment, consultation, diagnosis of a qualified healthcare professional.




11 views0 comments
bottom of page