Product Details: Agrylin (Anagrelide)

Generic Options - Manufacturer: Generic

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This medicine 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 doctor.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may come with a patient information leaflet. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions you may have about this medicine. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. STORE THIS MEDICINE 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 this medicine regularly to receive the most benefit from it. Taking this medicine at the same times each day will help you to remember. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. IT MAY TAKE SEVERAL WEEKS for this medicine to work. Do not stop using this medicine without checking with your doctor. 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 DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. This medicine 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 this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. THIS MEDICINE 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. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to this medicine. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period. THIS MEDICINE 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, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: USE OF THIS MEDICINE DURING PREGNANCY may cause fetal harm. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. If you are able to become pregnant, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about the use of effective birth control while taking this medicine. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include headache, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness, gas, loss of appetite, or general discomfort. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE 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 DOCTOR 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 this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Anagrelide