Anagrelide capsules

What is this medicine?

ANAGRELIDE (an AG re lide) is used to lower platelet counts. This helps to prevent blood clots from forming. It also reduces the risk of problems like intestinal bleeding, stroke, and heart attack caused by having too many platelets.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this medicine may be prescribed for children as young as 7 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• signs and symptoms of bleeding such as bloody or black, tarry stools; red or dark-brown urine; spitting up blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds; red spots on the skin; unusual bruising or bleeding from the eye, gums, or nose

• signs and symptoms of a dangerous change in heartbeat or heart rhythm like chest pain; dizziness; fast or irregular heartbeat; palpitations; feeling faint or lightheaded, falls; breathing problems

• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

• unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• abdominal pain

• back pain

• diarrhea

• gas

• headache

• loss of appetite

• nausea, vomiting

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• cisapride

• dofetilide

• dronedarone

• pimozide

• thioridazine

• ziprasidone

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• aspirin and aspirin-like drugs

• cilostazol

• fluvoxamine

• medicines called inotropes like milrinone, enoximone, amrinone, and olprinone

• medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin

• sucralfate

• theophylline

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• heart disease

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• an unusual or allergic reaction to anagrelide, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress.

You may need blood work done while you are taking this medicine.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.