Agrylin (Anagrelide)

Do’s

• Before starting Agrylin,  read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist. If you have any questions, ask your healthcare provider for clarification.
• Take Agrylin orally, with or without food, as directed by your healthcare provider. The typical frequency is 2 to 4 times a day. However, children or individuals with liver problems may begin with only one daily dose. 
• Your healthcare provider will adjust your dose, usually once a week, to determine the most effective dose for you, aiming to maintain your blood counts closer to normal levels.
• The dosage of Agrylin is based on your medical condition and your response to treatment. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions closely regarding dosage adjustments.
• Use Agrylin regularly to derive the maximum benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. 
• Even if you feel well, continue taking the medication, as individuals with high platelet levels may not experience symptoms.
• Your healthcare provider will regularly monitor your blood counts to assess your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your dosage.

Don’ts

• Do not discontinue Agrylin without consulting your healthcare provider. Stopping this medication abruptly can cause platelet levels to rise again.

Common Side Effects:

• Easy bruising or bleeding, such as nosebleeds and bleeding gums
• Signs of stomach bleeding like bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• Fast or pounding heartbeats
• Fluttering in the chest
• Sudden dizziness 
• Swelling of the ankles/feet
• Rapid or difficult breathing
• Stomach or abdominal pain
• Unusual tiredness
• Signs of kidney problems such as changes in urine color

Serious Side Effects:

• Chest pain
• Confusion or mental changes
• Fainting
• Seizures
• Trouble speaking
• Vision changes
• Weakness on one side of the body
• Very serious heart-related issues

Consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice and report any side effects experienced while taking Agrylin.

Agrylin can cause a serious heart problem. The risk may be higher if it is used with certain other medicines for infections, asthma, heart problems, high blood pressure, depression, mental illness, cancer, malaria, or HIV.

Torsades de pointes and ventricular tachycardia have been reported with Agrylin. Patients should undergo a pre-treatment cardiovascular examination, including an ECG. During treatment, patients should be monitored for cardiovascular effects and evaluated as necessary. 

Agrylin increases the QTc interval of the electrocardiogram and increases the heart rate in healthy volunteers. It should not be used in patients with known risk factors for QT interval prolongation, such as congenital long QT syndrome, a known history of acquired QTc prolongation, medicinal products that can prolong QTc interval, and hypokalemia.

For patients with moderate hepatic impairment, the recommended starting dose is 0.5 mg/day, to be maintained for a minimum of one week with close monitoring of cardiovascular effects. Agrylin is not recommended for patients with severe hepatic impairment.

Agrylin is not recommended for use during pregnancy due to possible harm to a fetus. If pregnancy occurs or is suspected, inform a healthcare provider.

Always let your healthcare provider know about any other medications or supplements that you are currently taking, as Agrylin may interact with other drugs. Consult your healthcare provider before taking any drug, changing any diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

Consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice and report any concerns or potential interactions with Agrylin.