anagrelide hydrochloride monohydrate at a glance
Medicine class
Platelet-lowering cytoreductive treatment and phosphodiesterase III inhibitor
Main licensed use
Reducing raised platelet counts in defined at-risk essential thrombocythaemia
How it is taken
Swallow the capsule whole with water; it may be taken with or without food
Important precaution
Do not stop suddenly without specialist advice because platelet counts can rebound and increase thrombosis risk
What is anagrelide hydrochloride monohydrate used for?
The selected product is licensed to reduce elevated platelet counts in at-risk essential thrombocythaemia when current therapy is not tolerated or has not reduced the count adequately.
The licence defines at-risk disease by older age, a very high platelet count or a history of thrombosis or bleeding events.
How does anagrelide hydrochloride monohydrate work?
Anagrelide interferes with maturation of megakaryocytes, the bone-marrow cells that produce platelets, reducing platelet production. It also inhibits phosphodiesterase III, which helps explain cardiovascular effects such as palpitations and a faster heartbeat. The precise platelet-lowering mechanism is not completely established.
anagrelide hydrochloride monohydrate preparations and strengths
Capsule
Route: Oral
Strengths: 0.5 mg
How to take anagrelide hydrochloride monohydrate
Take anagrelide exactly as prescribed by the specialist team. Food can delay absorption but does not meaningfully change overall exposure.
Swallow capsules whole with a glass of water.
Do not crush the capsules or dilute their contents in liquid.
It may be taken with food, after food or on an empty stomach.
Do not alter or stop treatment without speaking to the specialist team.
anagrelide hydrochloride monohydrate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Headache
- Palpitations or a faster heartbeat
- Dizziness or tiredness
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort or wind
- Fluid retention or swelling
- Anaemia
- Rash
Get urgent medical advice
- Stroke symptoms, particularly after treatment interruption
- Chest pain, fainting or a severe disturbance of heart rate or rhythm
- New or worsening breathlessness, ankle swelling or blue lips or skin
- Vomiting blood, black stools or other major bleeding
- Severe abdominal pain spreading to the back
- Very little urine, jaundice or signs of severe blood-cell reduction
anagrelide hydrochloride monohydrate 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 planning pregnancy or becoming pregnant should contact their specialist promptly for a treatment review.
anagrelide hydrochloride monohydrate while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether anagrelide or its metabolites enter human milk, and harm to a breastfed infant cannot be excluded. The selected product information advises discontinuing breastfeeding during treatment; discuss feeding and treatment options with the specialist team.
anagrelide hydrochloride monohydrate interactions
Check prescribed, pharmacy and complementary products with the specialist team because some combinations affect bleeding, cardiac safety or anagrelide exposure.
Aspirin and other antiplatelet medicines, including clopidogrel
Platelet inhibition may be increased, raising the risk of major bleeding.
Other phosphodiesterase III inhibitors, including milrinone and cilostazol
Their cardiovascular effects may be intensified, so concomitant use is not recommended.
Fluvoxamine and enoxacin
CYP1A2 inhibition may reduce anagrelide clearance and increase exposure.
Common questions about anagrelide hydrochloride monohydrate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is anagrelide used for?
It reduces raised platelet counts in at-risk essential thrombocythaemia when current therapy is not tolerated or has not worked adequately.
How does anagrelide lower platelet counts?
It interferes with maturation of platelet-producing megakaryocytes in the bone marrow, reducing platelet production.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.