Information About Anagrelide Hcl

Common uses
Anagrelide Hcl is a platelet-reducing agent used to decrease platelet counts and the risk of blood clots in patients with essential thrombocythemia. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your physician.

Prior to Use
Be aware that pre-existing medical conditions, or taking additional medications could interfere with the effectiveness of this one. Let your physician or pharmacist know about any other medications -- prescription or over-the-counter -- that you are using. If you are taking any of the following, your dose or condition may need regular supervision: certain antidepressants (such as fluvoxamine), sucralfate, theophylline, or cilostazol. Do not start or stop any medicine without physician or pharmacist approval. Inform your physician of any other medical conditions including any heart, liver, or kidney problems; allergies; pregnancy; or breast-feeding. You should not take Anagrelide Hcl if you have severe liver problems. If you have questions or concerns about Anagrelide Hcl, be sure to let your physician or pharmacist know.

Instructions for Use
Follow your physician's instructions for taking Anagrelide Hcl. Anagrelide Hcl may come with a patient information leaflet. Ask your physician, nurse, or pharmacist any questions you may have about Anagrelide Hcl. You may take Anagrelide Hcl with food, or on an empty stomach. Store Anagrelide Hcl at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C), away from heat and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Take Anagrelide Hcl regularly to receive the most benefit from it. Keep to a schedule -- take Anagrelide Hcl at the same time(s) every day. Should you skip or forget a dose of Anagrelide Hcl, begin using it immediately. If it is almost time for your next dose, omit the skipped dose and continue to follow your original dosing schedule. Do NOT take 2 doses at once.

Warnings
Do not use Anagrelide Hcl if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. It may take several weeks for Anagrelide Hcl to work. Do not stop using Anagrelide Hcl without checking with your physician. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including liver function, kidney function, blood pressure, platelet counts, and other blood counts may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Keep all physician and laboratory appointments while you are using Anagrelide Hcl. Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the physician or dentist that you are using Anagrelide Hcl. Anagrelide Hcl may cause drowsiness, dizziness, and vision changes. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Anagrelide Hcl. Using Anagrelide Hcl alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Anagrelide Hcl may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. Alcohol, hot weather, exercise, and fever can increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Also, sit or lie down at the first sign of dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness. If dizziness occurs, sit up or stand slowly. Anagrelide Hcl may cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Anagrelide Hcl. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period. Anagrelide Hcl reduces the number of blood cells that are needed for clotting To prevent bleeding, avoid situations where bruising or injury may occur. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, consult your pharmacist or physician . Women, use of Anagrelide Hcl during pregnancy may cause fetal harm. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your physician immediately. If you are able to become pregnant, talk with your physician or pharmacist about the use of effective birth control while taking Anagrelide Hcl. The effects of Anagrelide Hcl on breast milk is not known. You should not breast-feed if you are using Anagrelide Hcl.

Potential Side Effects
Side effects you may experience while using Anagrelide Hcl include headache, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness, gas, loss of appetite, or general discomfort. Consult your physician if they do not go away or if they bring you difficulties. Consult your physician immediately if you experience swelling of your hands, legs, or feet; numbness or tingling of your skin; unusual muscle pain or weakness; unusual joint pain; flu-like symptoms (such as cough, sore throat, fever, or chills); unusual back pain; or trouble urinating. Contact your physician immediately if you experience a fast or irregular heartbeat; sharp or crushing chest pain; sudden shortness of breath; sudden leg pain; sudden severe headache, vomiting, dizziness, or fainting; changes in vision; numbness of an arm or leg; severe stomach pain; mental or mood changes; seizures; or blood in your stools, urine, or vomit. An allergic reaction to Anagrelide Hcl is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. Let your physician, pharmacist, or nurse know if you experience any side-effects not listed here.

Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job.

In Case of Overdose
Contact a poison control center or visit an emergency room immediately, if you think you have overdosed. Indications of an overdose are unusual bleeding and bruising.

Additional information
Do not let anyone else use Anagrelide Hcl. Do not take Anagrelide Hcl to treat health conditions other than what it was prescribed for. Store this and all medication away from the reach of children. If you will be using Anagrelide Hcl for an extended period of time, be sure to obtain necessary refills before your supply runs out.