How it is administered

Anagrelide is taken by mouth as a capsule. It is available in strengths of 0.5 mg and 1 mg per capsule. The medication is usually started at a low dose and adjusted by your doctor based on your platelet counts and how well you tolerate the medicine.

For adults, the typical starting dose is 0.5 mg four times a day or 1 mg twice a day. For children (7 years and older), the starting dose is 0.5 mg once daily. Your doctor will monitor your blood counts and may adjust your dose as needed.

How it works

Anagrelide works by reducing the number of platelets in your blood. Platelets are cells that help your blood to clot, but having too many can increase your risk of blood clots and related complications, especially in conditions like Essential Thrombocythemia (ET).

The exact way anagrelide lowers platelet counts is not fully understood. Research suggests it interferes with the development of megakaryocytes, which are the cells in your bone marrow that produce platelets. Anagrelide suppresses certain factors needed for these cells to mature, leading to fewer platelets being made. It does not significantly affect your white blood cells or clotting factors at the usual doses.

Anagrelide also has effects on the heart and blood vessels, so your doctor will monitor you for any cardiovascular side effects.

Who Should take it

Anagrelide is prescribed for people with thrombocythemia (high platelet counts) due to myeloproliferative neoplasms, such as Essential Thrombocythemia (ET). It is used to lower platelet counts, reduce the risk of blood clots (thrombosis), and help with symptoms related to high platelets, such as headaches, dizziness, or bleeding problems.

It can be used in adults and children 7 years and older. Your doctor may recommend anagrelide if your platelet count is very high or if you have symptoms or a history of clotting or bleeding problems.

Who should not take it

There are no absolute contraindications listed for anagrelide, but it should be used with caution in certain people.

You should not take anagrelide if you have known risk factors for QT interval prolongation (a heart rhythm problem), such as congenital long QT syndrome, a history of certain abnormal heart rhythms, or if you are taking other medicines that can prolong the QT interval. People with severe liver impairment should avoid anagrelide. If you have heart failure, significant heart disease, or certain electrolyte abnormalities, your doctor will carefully weigh the risks and benefits before prescribing anagrelide and may monitor you more closely.

Commonly used with

Anagrelide may be used with other medications to manage Essential Thrombocythemia or related conditions. These can include:

• Aspirin (to help prevent blood clots, but this combination can increase bleeding risk)
• Hydroxyurea (another medication to lower blood counts)
• Interferon

Your doctor will decide on the best combination based on your specific needs and risk factors.

Commonly tested with

In clinical studies, anagrelide has been tested alongside other treatments for blood cancers and myeloproliferative disorders, such as:

• Hydroxyurea
• Aspirin
• Interferon
• Radioactive phosphorus
• Alkylating agents

These combinations are sometimes used in practice, but your treatment plan will be tailored to your individual situation.