What side effects may be noticed with anagrelide use?

Anagrelide is indicated to reduce the risk of blood clots in patients with thrombocythemia (an abnormally high platelet count in the blood). Its mechanism of action is to inhibit platelet production in the body.

What side effects may be noticed with anagrelide use?

Report the following side effects to your medical team as soon as possible:

Allergic reactions: Skin rash, pruritus, urticaria, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat

Bleeding: Bloody or black tarry stools, vomiting blood or brown material resembling coffee grounds, red or dark brown urine, small red or purple spots on the skin, unusual bruising or bleeding

Cardiac rhythm changes: Tachycardia or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, dyspnea

Lung injury: Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, cough, hemoptysis, chest pain, fever

Pulmonary hypertension: Shortness of breath, chest pain, tachycardia or irregular heartbeat, feeling faint or lightheaded, fatigue, swelling of the ankles or feet

Precautions for Anagrelide

Anagrelide may cause serious health problems, with a significantly increased risk in specific populations. If you have concerns about this, consult your doctor or pharmacist for alternative treatment options.

Cardiotoxicity

Cases of cardiac disorders and cardiac rhythm abnormalities have been reported in patients taking anagrelide, with a higher incidence in patients with a history of heart disease or at high risk of heart disease. Severe hepatic disease can elevate the plasma concentration of anagrelide, thereby increasing the risk of cardiac adverse events. Disclose your complete medical history to healthcare providers, including cardiac conditions, as well as all medications you are currently taking.

Bleeding Risk

Concomitant use of anagrelide with aspirin will greatly increase the risk of severe bleeding; the risk also rises when combined with other medications that increase bleeding tendency. Disclose all medications you are taking to healthcare providers for assessment of drug-drug interactions. Continuous monitoring for signs and symptoms of bleeding is required, including progressively enlarging ecchymoses, gingival bleeding, black tarry stools, hematuria, etc. Contact healthcare providers immediately if any of the above symptoms occur.

Pulmonary Disorders

Serious pulmonary diseases have been reported with anagrelide use, and this adverse reaction may occur at any time during treatment. Inform healthcare providers promptly of any changes in respiratory status, including worsening dyspnea. If healthcare providers suspect lung injury, treatment may be temporarily discontinued, and related symptoms usually improve after drug withdrawal.

Storage of Anagrelide

1. Store this medication in a tightly sealed container at room temperature, protected from heat, moisture and direct sunlight. Do not freeze.

2. Keep it out of the reach of children.

3. Do not retain expired or unused medication.

4. Consult your doctor for instructions on the proper disposal of unused medication.