Health Center

Hematology-Oncology Medical Group of the San Fernando Valley

Drugs that are not chemotherapy

Anagrelide capsules

What do anagrelide capsules do?

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 not yet available.

What should my health care professional know before I take anagrelide?

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 other medicines can 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 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

What do I need to watch for while I take 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.

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.

NOTE: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have questions about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.

[ Revised 8/3/00]

This information was obtained from Clinical Pharmacology 2000 . For more information about this drug or about any other drug, click here.

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