Anagrelide lowers the number of blood clotting cells (called platelets) in the body. This helps to prevent blood clots from forming.

Anagrelide is used to treat essential thrombocytosis (too many blood clotting cells in the body).

Anagrelide may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Take anagrelide exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Your doctor will need to monitor your blood with blood tests before starting treatment with anagrelide, every 2 days for the first week of treatment, and at least weekly thereafter until the desired maintenance dosage is reached.

Store anagrelide at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

There are no known interactions between anagrelide and other medicines. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Tell your doctor and dentist that you are taking this medication before undergoing any surgical procedures.

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a anagrelide overdose are unknown but might include bleeding and blood in the vomit or stool.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

Your doctor will need to monitor your blood with blood tests before starting treatment with anagrelide, every 2 days for the first week of treatment, and at least weekly thereafter until the desired maintenance dosage is reached.

Tell your doctor and dentist that you are taking this medication before undergoing any surgical procedures.

Before taking anagrelide, tell your doctor if you have

• heart disease,

• kidney disease, or

• liver disease.

You may not be able to take anagrelide, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Anagrelide is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether anagrelide passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast feeding a baby.

Anagrelide is not approved for use by children younger than 16 years old.

Your pharmacist has more information about anagrelide written for health professionals that you may read.

Anagrelide is available with a prescription under the brand name Agrylin. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

• Agrylin 0.5 mg—opaque, white, capsules

• Agrylin 1 mg-opaque, gray capsules