Anagrelide is used to treat essential thrombocythaemia (a rare blood disorder in which there are too many platelets produced by the bone marrow).
Large number of platelets in the blood may cause clotting and some problems with circulation. This medicine helps prevent these problems by reducing production of too many platelets.
Take Anagrelide exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water. Do not break or chew the capsule. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Anagrelide must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it suddenly as this may worsen your condition.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- moderate to severe liver disease
- moderate to severe kidney disease
as Anagrelide may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- congenital long QT syndrome (an inherited disease causing abnormally fast and erratic heartbeats)
- family history of heart rhythm disorder
- low potassium level in the blood
- heart disease
- mild kidney disease
- mild liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Anagrelide to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- The electrical activity of your heart will be examined before and during treatment.
- Routine tests (e.g. platelet count, complete blood count, liver and kidney function, electrolyte levels) may be needed while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate, and signs of bleeding may also be needed.
Anagrelide may cause dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pain, nausea, stomach wind, tiredness, weakness, and rash.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- fast or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands
- severe abdominal pain and back pain, vomiting blood, or passing bloody or black stools
- pain or difficulty in passing urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other blood-thinning medicines e.g. aspirin
- medicines for heart disease e.g. amrinone, milrinone, amiodarone, disopyramide
- medicines to treat depression e.g. fluvoxamine
- certain antibiotics e.g. ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, moxifloxacin
- ondansetron (medicine for nausea or vomiting)
- omeprazole (medicine that reduces stomach acid production)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Anagrelide.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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