Anagrelide

Anagrelide (Agrylin®, Shire) is a drug used for the treatment of essential thrombocytosis (ET; essential thrombocythemia). It works by inhibiting the maturation of megakaryocytes into platelets. The exact mechanism of action is unclear, although it is known to be a potent (IC50 = 36nM) inhibitor of phosphodiesterase-III. more...

In a 2005 head-to-head study (Harrison et al) hydroxyurea was found to be superior to anagrelide for the management of ET, with a small increase in the number of cases of myelofibrosis.

Side Effects

Headache, diarrhea, unusual weakness, nausea, dizziness may occur. If these persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Notify your doctor promptly if you develop: shortness of breath, swelling, stomach or chest pain, rash, itching, tingling sensations. Unlikely but report promptly: irregular or fast heartbeat, one-sided muscle weakness in arms or legs, black stools, fainting, mental changes, vision problems, unusual bleeding or bruising, pink-colored urine. Very unlikely but report promptly: unusual change in the amount of urine. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Reference

• Harrison CN, Campbell PJ, Buck G, Wheatley K, East CL, Bareford D, Wilkins BS, van der Walt JD, Reilly JT, Grigg AP, Revell P, Woodcock BE, Green AR; United Kingdom Medical Research Council Primary Thrombocythemia 1 Study. Hydroxyurea compared with anagrelide in high-risk essential thrombocythemia. N Engl J Med 2005;353:33-45. PMID 16000354.

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