Anagrelide - Guidelines for Using Anagrelide - Uses and Benefits

Type of Drug:

Antiplatelet agent.

How the Drug Works:

It is not known exactly how anagrelide reduces blood platelet levels. It is thought that it may slow down how fast platelets are produced and released by the bone marrow

Uses:

For the treatment of patients with essential thom body to the mia (too many blood platelets) to reduce the elevated platelet count and the risk of clothing and associated symptoms.

Precautions:

Do not use in the following situations: Allergy to the drug or any of its ingredients.

Use with caution in the following situations: heart disease, known or suspected kidney disease liver disease

• Pregnancy: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed and the potential benefits out­weigh the possible risks to the fetus.

• Breastfeeding: It is not known if this drug is excreted in breast milk. Consult your doctor before you being breastfeeding.

• Children: Safety and effectiveness in patients younger than 16 years of age have not been established.

• Lab Tests: Lab tests will be required to monitor therapy. Tests include cardiovascular exams, blood counts, and kidney and liver function monitoring.

Drug Interactions:

Tell Your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or planning to take any over the counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements while taking this drug. Drug doses may need to be modified or a different drug prescribed. Sucralfate (Carafate) may interact with anagrelide.

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many patients experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

Circulatory System: Fast heartbeat; pounding in the chest (palpitations); heart failure; chest pain.

• Digestive Tract: Diarrhea; stomach pain; nausea; gas; vomiting; indigestion; appetite loss.

• Other : Headache; weakness; swelling; pain; dizziness; difficulty breathing; rash; hives; abnormal skin sensations; back pain; general body discomfort.

Guidelines for Use:

• Dosage is individualized. Take exactly as prescribed.
• Do not stop taking or change the dose, unless instructed by your doctor.
• Dosage will usually be slowly increased to achieve maximum benefit.
• Take without regard to meals. Take with food if stomach upset occurs.
• If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless instructed by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed or it is necessary to establish a new dosage schedule, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
• Women of childbearing potential must use adequate contraception while· taking this drug. It may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman.
• Lab tests will be required to monitor therapy. Be sure to keep appointments.
• Store at controlled room temperature (59° to 71° F) in a light-resistant container.

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