Agrylin
(anagrelide)
Lowers platelet count.
Our bottom line
Agrylin (anagrelide) is effective at lowering platelet counts in certain cancers, which decreases risk of blood clots, heart attack, and stroke, but it should be used with caution in people with heart conditions.
- Drug class: Hematopoietic
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (anagrelide)
Upsides
- Agrylin (anagrelide) is an effective treatment option for lowering platelet counts.
- It is available as a cheaper, generic form.
- Agrylin (anagrelide) can be used in patients with kidney problems.
- It does not have to be injected. It is available as an oral capsule.
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What to expect from Agrylin, on one page
Download Fact SheetDownsides
- Agrylin (anagrelide) requires monitoring of the heart prior to initiating and periodically during treatment.
- It should be avoided in patients with severe liver impairment.
- You most likely will have to take Agrylin (anagrelide) more than once a day, especially at the start of treatment.
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What to expect from Agrylin, on one page
Download Fact SheetAgrylin (anagrelide) is an antiplatelet medicine that lowers platelet counts by slowing the accelerated platelet development seen in some cancers.
- Drug class: Hematopoietic
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (anagrelide)
Used for
- Thrombocythemia
Dosage forms
- Pill
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- CostcoGet free coupon$63.65
- AlbertsonsGet free coupon$63.65
What to expect when you take Agrylin (anagrelide) for Thrombocythemia
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Palpitations
- Weakness
- Swelling
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Nausea
Side effect rates for Agrylin (anagrelide)
- Headache44%44%
- Palpitations26%26%
- Diarrhea26%26%
- Weakness23%23%
- Swelling21%21%
- Nausea17%17%
- Stomach pain16%16%
- Pain15%15%
- Dizziness15%15%
- Difficulty breathing12%12%
- Vomiting10%10%
- Bloating10%10%
- Fever9%9%
- Swelling in the peripheries9%9%
- Increased heart rate8%8%
- Chest pain8%8%
- Decreased appetite8%8%
- Rash8%8%
- Malaise6%6%
- Cough6%6%
- Itchy skin6%6%
- Back pain6%6%
- Burning/prickling sensation6%6%
- Indigestion5%5%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Agrylin.
People taking Agrylin felt side effect more
People taking Agrylin felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Agrylin (anagrelide)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Taking Agrylin (anagrelide) with other medications that increase bleeding (ie. aspirin, anticoagulants, NSAIDs, antiplatelet agents, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors).
While taking Agrylin (anagrelide), you are at a higher risk of bleeding. Use of Agrylin (anagrelide) with aspirin can increase your risk of bleeding as well. Your doctor will likely assess your risks of bleeding before initiating treatment with this medication. You should monitor for signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as bruises, bleeding gums, dark, tarry stools and blood in your urine. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice these symptoms.
Common concerns from people taking Agrylin (anagrelide)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- Agrylin (anagrelide) can be taken with or without food.
- Agrylin (anagrelide) can be used in patients with kidney problems.