anagrelide hydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
Platelet-lowering cytoreductive agent and phosphodiesterase III inhibitor
Usual role
Specialist treatment for at-risk essential thrombocythaemia when existing therapy is unsuitable or insufficient
Administration
Swallow capsules whole; they may be taken with or without food
Important safety point
Do not stop suddenly without specialist advice because platelet counts may rebound and cause thrombosis
What is anagrelide hydrochloride used for?
The selected UK product is licensed for:
Reducing elevated platelet counts in at-risk essential thrombocythaemia when current treatment is not tolerated or has not lowered platelet counts adequately.
How does anagrelide hydrochloride work?
Anagrelide interferes with the development and maturation of megakaryocytes, the bone-marrow cells that produce platelets. This reduces platelet production. It also inhibits phosphodiesterase III, contributing to effects such as a faster heartbeat.
anagrelide hydrochloride preparations and strengths
Capsule
Route: Oral
Strengths: 0.5 mg
How to take anagrelide hydrochloride
Take anagrelide exactly as prescribed by the specialist team.
Swallow each capsule whole with water.
Do not crush the capsule or mix its contents into liquid.
It may be taken with food or on an empty stomach.
Do not alter or stop treatment without speaking to the prescriber.
anagrelide hydrochloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- Headache
- Palpitations or a faster heartbeat
- Fluid retention or swelling
- Nausea, vomiting or abdominal discomfort
- Diarrhoea or wind
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Rash
Get urgent medical advice
- Chest pain, fainting, severe palpitations or an abnormal heart rhythm
- New or worsening breathlessness, leg swelling or blue lips
- Signs of stroke
- Vomiting blood, black stools or other substantial bleeding
- Severe abdominal pain spreading to the back
- Passing little or no urine
- Severe allergic reaction with facial or throat swelling
anagrelide hydrochloride in pregnancy
Anagrelide is not recommended during pregnancy because human evidence is inadequate and animal studies found reproductive toxicity. Effective contraception is advised during treatment. Anyone who becomes pregnant or is planning pregnancy should contact the haematology or maternity team promptly for specialist review rather than stopping treatment independently.
anagrelide hydrochloride while breastfeeding
Breastfeeding should be stopped during anagrelide treatment. It is unknown whether anagrelide enters human milk, and a risk to the infant cannot be excluded.
anagrelide hydrochloride interactions
The prescriber and pharmacist should review all prescribed, over-the-counter and complementary products. Important examples include:
Aspirin and other medicines affecting platelets
The combined antiplatelet effect may increase the risk of major bleeding.
Other phosphodiesterase III inhibitors, including cilostazol and milrinone
Cardiac and related pharmacological effects may be intensified; combined use is not recommended.
Fluvoxamine or enoxacin
CYP1A2 inhibition may reduce anagrelide clearance and increase exposure.
Common questions about anagrelide hydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is anagrelide used for?
It lowers high platelet counts in at-risk essential thrombocythaemia when current treatment is not tolerated or has not worked adequately.
Can anagrelide be taken with food?
Yes. Capsules may be taken with or without food.
Can anagrelide capsules be opened or crushed?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.