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Overview: Anagrelide is used to treat thrombocythemia. It works by reducing the platelet levels in your blood. Common side effects include headaches, diarrhea, and feeling unusually tired.

Uses

What is anagrelide used for?

Anagrelide is commonly used to treat certain types of thrombocythemia. Thrombocythemia is a condition that causes your body to produce too many platelets. Platelets are a certain type of blood cell that normally makes your blood clot.

Anagrelide may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does anagrelide work (mechanism of action)?

It is not known how anagrelide reduces the platelet levels in your blood. Anagrelide may work by reducing the amount of platelets your body produces.

How is anagrelide supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Agrylin

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.5 mg, 1 mg oral capsules

How should I store anagrelide?

Anagrelide should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when you’re transporting it. Store it in a cool, dry place, and make sure it’s in a tight, light-resistant container.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of anagrelide?

The most common side effects of anagrelide are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Headache
  • Feeling of skipped heartbeats
  • Diarrhea or gas
  • Feeling unusually weak or tired
  • Fluid retention
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach pain
  • Dizziness
  • Cough or shortness of breath
  • Fever
  • Rash
  • Chest pain
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fast heartbeat
  • General feeling of being unwell, tired, or not having your usual energy
  • Numbness, tingling, or burning in your arms, feet, or face
  • Back pain
  • Itching
  • Upset stomach

There may be other side effects of anagrelide that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of anagrelide?

While less common, the most serious side effects of anagrelide are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Anagrelide may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking anagrelide and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown, depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Heart Rhythm Changes. Anagrelide may cause a rare, dangerous heart rhythm problem called QT prolongation and torsade de pointes. Some people have a higher risk of this, including people who are older, who have liver problems, have other people in their family who have had these conditions, have low potassium or magnesium levels, or who take medicines that can prolong the QT interval. Tell your health care provider right away if you faint or have changes in your heart rate or rhythm, such as a fast or skipping heartbeat.

Pulmonary Hypertension. Anagrelide may cause pulmonary hypertension, which is a type of high blood pressure in the arteries that carry blood from your heart to your lungs. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following signs of pulmonary hypertension while taking anagrelide.

  • Shortness of breath
  • Swelling of your legs or ankles
  • Changes in the color of your skin, including a bluish color to your lips and fingernails 

Severe Bleeding. Anagrelide can increase your risk of severe bleeding that can lead to death. Some people with serious bleeding may need a blood transfusion or surgery. Certain other medicines can increase your risk of bleeding. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following signs of severe bleeding while taking anagrelide.

  • Pink, red, or brown urine (pee)
  • Vomit with blood that looks like coffee grounds
  • Red or black stools (look like tar)
  • Coughing up blood or blood clots

Lung Inflammation. Anagrelide can cause inflammation in your lungs, also called interstitial lung disease or pneumonitis. This can be serious or even life-threatening. Get emergency help if you have trouble breathing. You may also have a cough, fever, or chest pain.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use anagrelide?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take anagrelide.

  • Anagrelide
  • Agrylin
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific anagrelide products they stock.

What should I know about anagrelide before using it?

Do not take anagrelide unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share anagrelide with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep anagrelide out of the reach of children.

Keep all appointments to have your blood checked. Your health care provider may adjust your dose of anagrelide, based on your blood test results and how well you tolerate the medicine. Talk to your health care provider if you have any questions about your dose.

If you can become pregnant, anagrelide may reduce the chance of getting pregnant. Talk to your health care provider if you have any concerns about your fertility.

What should I tell my health care provider before using anagrelide?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if anagrelide is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Liver problems
  • Heart problems
  • Bleeding problems
  • Lung problems

Other Medicines and Supplements. Anagrelide may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking anagrelide, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how anagrelide could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Do not take anagrelide while you are breastfeeding, and do not breastfeed for one week after your last dose. It is not known if anagrelide can pass into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does anagrelide interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between anagrelide and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect anagrelide, but both anagrelide and alcohol can increase your risk of bleeding. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.

Does anagrelide interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking anagrelide.

  • Chloroquine, which is a medicine for malaria
  • Clarithromycin, which is a medicine used for bacterial infections
  • Haloperidol, which is a medicine for certain mental health conditions
  • Methadone, which is an opioid medicine used to treat pain or opioid use disorder
  • Amiodarone (Pacerone and others), which is a medicine used for an irregular heart rhythm
  • An antiplatelet medicine, such as aspirin/dipyridamole, cilostazol, clopidogrel (Plavix), or ticagrelor (Brilinta), which is a medicine used to prevent blood clots
  • Aspirin, which is in many prescription and OTC products, including those for pain, swelling, and fever
  • A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, which is in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and fever
  • A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), such as fluoxetine, paroxetine, or sertraline, which is a medicine commonly used for anxiety and depression
  • Fluvoxamine (Luvox), which is a medicine commonly used for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Theophylline (Elixophyllin, Theo-24), which is a medicine for asthma or certain other breathing problems
  • Omeprazole, which is a medicine to treat indigestion, heartburn, and acid reflux
  • Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) and moxifloxacin (Avelox), which are medicines used to treat bacterial infections
  • A medicine used to control your heart rate or rhythm (antiarrhythmic)
  • Milrinone, which is a medicine used to treat heart failure
  • Ondansetron, which is a medicine used to treat nausea

Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of anagrelide. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with anagrelide. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much anagrelide?

If you or someone else has used too much anagrelide, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of anagrelide?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.