ANAGRELIDE - ORAL (Agrylin) side effects, medical uses, and drug interactions.

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GENERIC NAME: ANAGRELIDE - ORAL (ann-AGG-rah-lide)

BRAND NAME(S): Agrylin

USES: This medication is used to treat a blood disorder (high platelet count) which can cause blood clots to form. The drug reduces the number of platelets in the bloodstream.

HOW TO USE: This drug is taken by mouth 2 or 4 times daily for at least one week. The dosage is then adjusted to an effective dose, keeping your blood counts closer to normal. Dosage should not exceed 10 mg daily. Generally, blood counts begin to respond within 2 weeks.

SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, diarrhea, unusual weakness, nausea, dizziness may occur. If these persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Notify your doctor promptly if you develop: shortness of breath, swelling, stomach or chest pain, rash, itching, tingling sensations. Unlikely but report promptly: irregular or fast heartbeat, one-sided muscle weakness in arms or legs, black stools, fainting, mental changes, vision problems, unusual bleeding or bruising, pink-colored urine. Very unlikely but report promptly: unusual change in the amount of urine. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: allergies (especially drug allergies), heart problems, kidney problems, liver problems. Limit alcohol intake, as it may aggravate side effects. To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug is excreted into breast milk. It is recommended to discontinue the drug or not breast feed, taking into account the risk to the infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.