What it is used for
- Treating essential thrombocythaemia in at-risk patients when first-choice treatment is unsuitable or not enough
- Lowering the platelet count to reduce the risk of clots
How it is used
- Take it only as prescribed by your haematologist, swallowing the capsule whole with water
- Attend regular blood tests to check your platelet count
- Your heart is checked before and during treatment as your doctor decides
- Do not stop it suddenly, as the platelet count can rise quickly
Possible side effects
- Headache
- Palpitations or a fast heartbeat
- Fluid retention and swollen feet
- Diarrhoea, nausea or abdominal pain
- Dizziness or tiredness
Who should not use it
- Allergy to anagrelide
- Moderate or severe liver disease
- Severe kidney disease
Before and while using it
- Chest pain, fainting, severe palpitations or breathlessness need urgent medical help
- It can cause heart rhythm problems or heart failure; tell your doctor about any heart condition
- The risk of bleeding is higher with aspirin; tell your doctor about any unusual bleeding
- Rarely it causes lung inflammation; report a new cough or breathlessness
Medicine interactions
- Aspirin and other antiplatelet medicines increase the risk of bleeding
- Medicines that prolong the QT interval on the heart tracing
- Fluvoxamine and ciprofloxacin can raise its level
- Cilostazol and milrinone should not be combined with it
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- It is not recommended in pregnancy; use effective contraception and tell your doctor if you plan a pregnancy
- Do not breastfeed during treatment
How to store it
- Keep the capsules in the original pack out of the reach of children
Get medical help straight away if
- Your face, lips or tongue swell, or you find it hard to breathe.
- You get a severe rash, blistering or peeling skin.
- A side effect worries you or doesn’t go away: contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Questions about this medicine?
Talk to a doctor by video, or send your question by text.
Source: Standard international medicine references
This guide is general information and doesn’t replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without asking them, and always read the leaflet in the pack.