What is this medication for?
Anagrelide is a platelet-reducing agent. This medication is used to manage a condition called thrombocythemia, where your body produces too many platelets. Platelets are cells in your blood that help clots to form when you bleed. If your body makes too many platelets, it is hard for your blood to flow normally and it will be more likely to clot or bleed. This can cause medical problems such as heart attacks, stroke, blood clots in the lung or legs, as well as bleeding from the stomach, gums, or nose.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Agrylin® is available as:
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
The usual recommended adult starting dose of anagrelide is 0.5 mg four times daily or 1 mg twice daily taken with or without food. Doses higher than 10 mg per day or 2.5 mg in a single dose are not recommended. For children, the initial recommended dose is 0.5 mg daily.
Your doctor may adjust your dose weekly based on your blood platelet count as determined by laboratory tests performed at regular intervals. It is very important to keep these lab appointments, as there is a narrow margin between too much and too little of the medication.
Store this medication at room temperature and protect from light.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Anagrelide should not be used by anyone who:
- is allergic to anagrelide or any ingredient in this product
- has severe liver failure
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