Brand Names: Agrylin

Generic Name: anagrelide (Pronunciation: an AH gre lide)

• What is anagrelide (Agrylin)?
• What are the possible side effects of anagrelide (Agrylin)?
• What is the most important information I should know about anagrelide (Agrylin)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking anagrelide (Agrylin)?
• How should I take anagrelide (Agrylin)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Agrylin)?
• What happens if I overdose (Agrylin)?
• What should I avoid while taking anagrelide (Agrylin)?
• What other drugs will affect anagrelide (Agrylin)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is anagrelide (Agrylin)?

Anagrelide lowers the number of blood clotting cells (platelets) in the body, which helps prevent blood clots from forming.

Anagrelide is used to treat a condition called thrombocythemia (also called thrombocytosis). Thrombocythemia is a blood cell disorder in which too many platelet cells are produced, causing bleeding or blood-clotting problems.

Anagrelide may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Anagrelide 0.5 mg-BAR

white, imprinted with barr 0.5 mg, 101

Anagrelide 0.5 mg-IVA

gray/white, imprinted with LOGO 5241, 0.5 mg

Anagrelide 0.5 mg-MYL

gray/pink, imprinted with MYLAN 6868

Anagrelide 1 mg-BAR

gray, imprinted with barr 1 mg, 102

Anagrelide 1 mg-IVA

white, imprinted with LOGO 5240, 1 mg

Anagrelide 1 mg-MYL

blue/gray, imprinted with MYLAN 6869

What are the possible side effects of anagrelide (Agrylin)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• wheezing, rapid breathing, feeling short of breath, dry cough, fever;
• chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;
• swelling, rapid weight gain;
• fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeats;
• sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
• sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
• severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate;
• seizure (convulsions);
• feeling like you might pass out;
• bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness; or
• blood in your urine, painful or difficult urination.

Less serious side effects may include:

• dizziness, mild headache;
• mild rash or itching;
• constipation, diarrhea, gas;
• loss of appetite, mild nausea or stomach pain;
• numbness or tingly feeling in your hands or feet;
• sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, nosebleed;
• muscle or joint pain;
• sleep problems (insomnia); or
• blurred vision, ringing in your ears.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Agrylin (anagrelide) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about anagrelide (Agrylin)?

You should not use anagrelide if you are allergic to it, or if you have moderate to severe liver or kidney disease.

Before you take anagrelide, tell your doctor if you have heart disease, kidney disease, or liver disease.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition and not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested often. Your kidney and liver function may also need to be tested. Visit your doctor regularly. Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are taking anagrelide, especially if you need to have any type of surgery.

Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly can make your condition worse very quickly.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as dry cough, trouble breathing, swelling, fast or pounding heartbeats, chest pain, sudden numbness or weakness, confusion, problems with speech or balance, severe stomach pain, seizure, fainting, blood in your urine or stools, easy bruising or bleeding, or unusual weakness.