Anagrelide Capsules
What is this medication?
ANAGRELIDE (an AG re lide) treats thrombocythemia, a condition in which your body makes too many platelets. It works by decreasing the amount of platelets your body makes. This lowers the risk of a blood clot. It belongs to a group of medications called antiplatelets.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Agrylin
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- An unusual or allergic reaction to anagrelide, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- Breast-feeding
How should I use this medication?
Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 7 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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 may interact with this medication?
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
- Cisapride
- Dronedarone
- Pimozide
- Thioridazine
This medication may also interact with the following:
- Aspirin and aspirin-like medications
- Cilostazol
- Dofetilide
- Fluvoxamine
- Medications called inotropes, such as milrinone, enoximone, amrinone, and olprinone
- Medications that treat or prevent blood clots, such as warfarin
- Sucralfate
- Theophylline
- Ziprasidone
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication.
This medication can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds, red or dark brown urine, small red or purple spots on skin, unusual bruising or bleeding
- Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
- Lung injury—shortness of breath or trouble breathing, cough, spitting up blood, chest pain, fever
- Pulmonary hypertension—shortness of breath, chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, feeling faint or lightheaded, fatigue, swelling of the ankles or feet
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
- Unusual weakness or fatigue
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medication?
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
- Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
- If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
Additional Information From Chemocare.com About Anagrelide
Self-Care Tips:
- You may feel drowsy and/or dizzy when you first start taking anagrelide. This should lessen as your body adjusts to the drug. Do not drive a car or operate machinery if you are feeling drowsy, dizzy or less alert than usual.
- You may bleed more easily. Be careful and avoid injury. Use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor.
- To reduce nausea, take anti-nausea medications as prescribed by your doctor, and eat small, frequent meals.
- Drink at least two to three quarts of fluid every 24 hours, unless you are instructed otherwise.
- In general, drinking alcoholic beverages should be minimized or avoided. You should discuss this with your doctor.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Maintain good nutrition.
When to contact your doctor or health care provider:
Contact your health care provider immediately, day or night, if you should experience any of the following symptoms:
- Fever of 100.4° F (38° C) or higher, chills (possible signs of infection)
- Contact your health care provider immediately and go to the ER if you experience any signs or symptoms of heart problems such as: anxiety, cold sweating, increased heart rate, severe pain in the chest and/or the jaw, neck, back, or arms, and shortness of breath.
- Seizures.
The following symptoms require medical attention, but are not an emergency. Contact your health care provider within 24 hours of noticing any of the following:
- Dizziness.
- Nausea (interferes with ability to eat and unrelieved with prescribed medication).
- Diarrhea (4 to 6 episodes in a 24-hour period).
- Unusual bleeding or bruising.
- Black or tarry stools, or blood in your stools or urine.
- Bleeding from the gums or vaginal bleeding that is not normal.
- Coughing up blood-tinged sputum.
- Swelling of the feet or ankles.
- Sudden weight gain.
- Signs of breathing problems such as cough, shortness of breath, or trouble breathing
- Signs of pancreatitis like very bad stomach pain, very bad back pain or very bad upset stomach or throwing up.
- Change in thinking clearly or problems with memory.
- Very bad headache.
- A burning, numbness, or tingling feeling that is not normal.
- Change in strength on 1 side, trouble speaking, change in balance or blurred eyesight.
- Extreme fatigue (unable to carry on self-care activities).
Always inform your health care provider if you experience any unusual symptoms.
