Anagrelide

• Treatment leaflets
• Anagrelide
• Integrative treatment
• Aspirin
• Cytarabine
• Hydroxycarbamide
• Interferon alpha
• Melphalan, busulphan and P32
• Thalidomide
• Venesection (phlebotomy)
• Bone marrow transplant
• Additional treatments
  • Blood thinning drugs
  • Danazol
  • Erythropoetin (EPO)
  • Transfusion
  • Treatments to control gout
  • Treatments to control itching

Anagrelide is one possible drug that your haematologist may recommend to treat your MPD. In Europe, Anagrelide is licensed as a second line treatment –  the medication hydroxycarbamide is prescribed as a first-line treatment. If hydroxycarbamide is not suitable for you, your haematologist may prescribe anagrelide.

Anagrelide can also be used in combination with other drugs such as hydroxycarbamide. It is sometimes used to treat very young patients.

How it works

The way anagrelide works is not fully understood, but we do know that this drug that lowers the platelet count by reducing production by the platelet-producing cells called megakaryocytes.

Why take this drug

Anagrelide works by slowing the production of blood cells in your bone marrow. Most people tolerate anagrelide very well and do not have many side effects. If you do not tolerate hydroxycarbamide well, your haematologist may suggest that you try anagrelide as an alternative. If you have taken hydroxycarbamide for many years, your MPD may become resistant to this treatment, or you may develop long-term side effects. Your haematologist may suggest that you switch to anagrelide if this happens.

A trial in Europe called the PT1 trial suggested that anagrelide may not be as good as hydroxycarbamide in preventing clotting and bleeding complications in ET. Some research also appears to show that anagrelide is not as good as hydroxycarbamide at reducing transformation to myelofibrosis. This is why in Europe anagrelide is recommended as a second-line treatment. Patients taking anagrelide should be monitored for the development of myelofibrosis.

Common side effects

Anagrelide can have side effects including headache, diarrhoea, palpitations and fluid retention.

Suitability

This drug is not suitable for pregnancy, and must be used with caution in the case of heart disease.

Anagrelide FAQs

Can I eat and drink normally?

Yes. We recommend that you eat a normal, healthy diet and drink plenty of water.

Can I drink alcohol?

While it is safe to drink alcohol in moderation whilst taking anagrelide, we recommend you do not exceed the recommended weekly limits of 21 units of alcohol per week for a man and 14 units for a woman. Alcohol can cause dehydration, and it is important to avoid becoming dehydrated if you have an MPD. Please ask your nurse or doctor if you require more information regarding alcohol consumption.

What if I want to have a child?

We recommend against taking anagrelide if you are trying to become pregnant or to father a child. Please see our pregnancy section for more information on pregnancy in MPDs.

Who will prescribe anagrelide for me?

Your doctor, specially-trained nurse, hospital pharmacist or sometimes your GP will prescribe your medication.

Can I drive?

Anagrelide is not known to cause drowsiness that could affect your driving, however if you are feeling drowsy or fatigued for any reason do not drive.

Do I need to take any special precautions?

Do not take more than four tablets at the same time; it is much better to spread them out through the day. Generally avoid strenuous exercise, tea or coffee within thirty minutes of taking anagrelide.

Can I have vaccinations such as the flu jab?

Yes, you can have most vaccinations including the flu vaccine whilst taking anagrelide. Some vaccinations are live vaccines and these should not be taken with anagrelide. It is important you tell the person giving you the vaccine that you are taking anagrelide so they can verify it is safe for you to be vaccinated.

More information