Anagrelide (Anagrelide)

AGRYLIN (Anagrelide) capsules are indicated for the treatment of patients with thrombocythemia, secondary to myeloproliferative disorders, to reduce the elevated platelet count and the risk of thrombosis and to ameliorate associated symptoms. AGRYLIN (Anagrelide) is a prescription medication with the generic name anagrelide hydrochloride. AGRYLIN (Anagrelide) is prescribed for the treatment of patients with thrombocytosis, a condition in which there are too many platelets in the blood. Thrombocytosis is often present in patients with MPDs like Essential Thrombocythemia (ET) and Polycythemia-Vera (P-Vera). The way that AGRYLIN (Anagrelide) works in the body to reduce your platelet count is not fully understood. What is known, however, is that the action of AGRYLIN(Anagrelide) is focused specifically on platelets. As a result, AGRYLIN (Anagrelide) may not have a clinically significant effect on other cells in your blood, such as white cells, which help fight infection, and has no clinically significant effect on red cells, which carry oxygen throughout your body. In addition, AGRYLIN (Anagrelide) does not affect the body's natural processes to clot blood when needed. AGRYLIN (Anagrelide), therefore, lowers your platelet count and offers the safety advantages of platelet-specific action. Patients with ET, P-Vera, and other MPDs who have excessive platelet counts may be candidates to take AGRYLIN (Anagrelide). Your physician uses blood tests to determine the number of platelets in your blood and can best decide if AGRYLIN (Anagrelide) is right for you.

ET and P-Vera and other MPDs are lifelong conditions that usually require long-term treatment. If your physician decides that Agrylin is right for you, take the medication regularly (according to your physician's instruction) to keep your platelet count down. If you stop treatment with Agrylin, your platelet count will rise rapidly (within a few days) and return to abnormally high levels. Fortunately, Agrylin remains effective and well tolerated in many people who have taken the drug for long periods of time.

Most of the AGRYLIN side effects have been mild to moderate and may decrease with continued therapy. The most commonly reported AGRYLIN side effects include headaches, fast or forceful heartbeat, diarrhea, weakness, fluid retention, nausea, dizziness, abnormal pain, shortness of breath, and gas. Agrylin should be used with caution in patients with known or suspected heart disease, renal or hepatic insufficiency, and pregnant patients. A pretreatment cardiovascular examination is recommended along with careful monitoring during treatment of Agrylin. Call your physician immediately if you experience the following AGRYLIN side effects: shortness of breath and difficulty breathing, fluid buildup around the ankles, fast or irregular heartbeat, and chest pain. Headache may be treated effectively with acetaminophen, an over-the-counter non-aspirin pain reliever. Abdominal Pain and Gas may be caused by AGRYLIN side effects. If you are lactose intolerant and cannot digest lactose, discuss treatment options with your physician. Forceful Heartbeat (Palpitations) is one of the AGRYLIN side effects. Consult your physician if you have forceful heartbeat or a fluttering sensation in your chest. Note: Your physician may advise you to avoid caffeine and not exercise for 2 to 2.5 hours after taking Agrylin. Swelling (Edema) Consult your physician if you have AGRYLIN side effects like swelling or fluid buildup, often first noticed in the ankles or other extremities. Note: Your physician may advise you to limit your salt intake or he or she may prescribe a mild diuretic.