Agrylin (Anagrelide)

What is Agrylin?

Agrylin is an anti-thrombotic agent that helps lower the number of platelets in the body. Platelets are blood cells that help the body in the formation of blood clots. Increased platelets can cause bleeding and unwanted blood clots and can also block blood circulation.

What is Agrylin used for?

Agrylin is used for the treatment of a condition called thrombocythemia wherein the bone marrow starts producing too many platelets. The work of this drug is to lessen the thrombosis risk and bring an improvement in the associated events.

How does Agrylin work?

Agrylin works by blocking the formation of platelets and thus reducing their count in the bloodstream.

How to use Agrylin

Agrylin should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer duration or in larger amount than recommended may cause health problems.

The medicine is usually taken 2 to 4 times in a day orally, with or without food. Children can be given one dose per day. Your doctor will advice you the right dose based on your medical and blood condition. Each dose of Agrylin should not exceed 2.5 mg and the maximum dosage per day should not cross 10 mg. Take the medicine regularly and at the same time each day to see the best results.

Agrylin warnings and precautions

If you suffer from any allergies or severe liver disease, do let your doctor know before you start taking Agrylin. Also tell the doctor if you have suffered heart, kidney and liver problems in the past. Agrylin can induce dizziness and thus one should not indulge in any activity, such as driving or using machinery, which demands attention. Alcohol intake is also to be reduced. Pregnant and lactating women should not consume Agrylin unless prescribed by the doctor.

What do I do if I have missed a Agrylin dose?

If you have missed your Agrylin dose you should take it as soon as you get to remember about it. If the time for the next dose is near, skip the missed dose and jump on to the usual dose. A double dose is not recommended.

What do I do if I have taken a Agrylin overdose?

If you have taken an Agrylin overdose you should call up the local poison control center.

Agrylin interactions

Agrylin may react with medicines like Theophylline (Elixophyllin, Theo-24, Uniphyl), Fluvoxamine and Amrinone, enoximone and Milrinone.

If you are taking any of the above mentioned medicines or any other prescription or over the counter drug, do let your doctor know about it beforehand. Also tell him about any herbal products that you may be taking.

Agrylin side effects

Serious side effects from Agrylin include rapid breathing, fever, cough, wheezing, rapid weight gain, swelling, fast or uneven heartbeats, chest pain, sweating, nausea and general feeling of illness, headache, vision and balance and speech problems, confusion, passing out feeling, seizures or convulsions, bleeding or bruising skin, weakness and pale skin, bloody stools, blood with cough, difficulty in urination, blood in urine, difficulty in breathing, swelling of throat, lips and tongue, and hives. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor.

Some of the less serious Agrylin side effects include itching, rashes, headache, dizziness, stomach pain, nausea, loss of appetite, gas, constipation, diarrhea, tingly feeling in hands and feet, bleeding from nose, stuffy nose or sore throat, insomnia, muscle and joint pain, ringing like feeling in the ears and blurred vision.