What is Anagrelide?

Anagrelide is used to reduce the platelet count in patients with myeloproliferative disorders (platelets are blood cells required for controlling bleeding).

What is Anagrelide?

Patients with such disorders produce an excessive amount of one or more types of blood cells, for example:

Essential thrombocythemia (excessive production of platelets in the body).

Polycythemia vera (excessive production of red blood cells, and sometimes platelets, in the body).

Anagrelide belongs to a class of medications called antiplatelet agents. It works by slowing down the production of platelets in the body.

How to use Anagrelide?

Anagrelide is available as an oral capsule. It is usually taken two to four times a day, either on an empty stomach or with food. Try to take the medication at the same time each day. Follow the instructions on the prescription label carefully, and consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Take Anagrelide exactly as directed. Do not take more, less, or take it more frequently than prescribed.

Your doctor may start you on a low dose and gradually increase it, usually adjusting the dose no more than once a week. The dose may also be adjusted during treatment based on your body's response to the medication. It is crucial to follow these instructions closely.

Anagrelide may help control the condition but does not cure it. Continue taking the medication even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Anagrelide without your doctor's approval. If you stop taking it suddenly, your platelet count in the blood may rise, and you may experience related symptoms.

Other Uses of Anagrelide

This medication may have other uses. For more information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions for Anagrelide

1. Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Anagrelide or any other medications.

2. Inform your doctor and pharmacist about all other prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to adjust the doses of your other medications or monitor you closely for side effects.

3. The following over-the-counter products may interact with Anagrelide: aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) [such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc.), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, etc.)], and cimetidine (Tagamet). Be sure to inform your doctor and pharmacist that you are taking these medications before starting Anagrelide. Do not start taking these products during Anagrelide treatment without the approval of your healthcare provider.

4. Inform your doctor if you have or have ever had bleeding problems; high or low blood pressure; lactose intolerance (inability to digest dairy products); or heart, kidney, or liver disease.