Agrylin

Generic Name: anagrelide (an AH gre lide)
Brand Names: Agrylin

What is Agrylin (anagrelide)?

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 anagrelide if you are allergic to it, 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 often. Your kidney and liver function may also need to be tested. Visit your doctor regularly. 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 anagrelide if you are allergic to it, or if you have moderate to severe liver or kidney disease.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests:

• heart disease or congestive heart failure;

• kidney disease; or
• liver disease.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether anagrelide will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. It is not known whether anagrelide passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Agrylin (anagrelide)?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller 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.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition and not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested often. Your kidney and liver function may also need to be tested. Visit your doctor regularly.

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 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 at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

See also: Agrylin dosage (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose can cause vomiting, or fast heart rate.

What should I avoid while taking Agrylin (anagrelide)?

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.

Agrylin (anagrelide) side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• wheezing, rapid breathing, feeling short of breath, dry cough, fever;

• chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;

• swelling, rapid weight gain;

• fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeats;

• sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;

• sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;

• severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate;

• seizure (convulsions);

• feeling like you might pass out;

• bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;

• pale skin, 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. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Agrylin side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Agrylin (anagrelide)?

Tell your doctor if you also use:

• fluvoxamine (Luvox);

• theophylline (Elixophyllin, Theo-24, Uniphyl); or

• medication to treat congestive heart failure, such as amrinone (inamrinone, Inocor), enoximone (Perfan), or milrinone (Primacor).

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with anagrelide. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about anagrelide.