Has your doctor told you that your platelet count is higher than normal? When that happens, there is a risk of unnecessary blood clotting inside our bodies. So, a special medicine that doctors prescribe to control the increase in blood platelets is called Anagrelide. If you have been prescribed this medicine, let us know about it.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, this drug, called Anagrelide, is used to reduce the number of platelets in your blood. Platelets are a type of cell that helps us stop bleeding. But if they get too high, they can cause blood clots to form inside the veins.
These blood clots can lead to serious health problems like intestinal bleeding, stroke, and heart attack . So Anagrelide reduces this risk by controlling the number of platelets in the blood.
Things to tell your doctor before taking medication
Before you start taking Anagrelide, it is very important to tell your doctor about your medical history. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the conditions listed below.
| Your medical condition or condition | What to tell the doctor |
|---|---|
| Heart disease | If you have any heart-related condition. |
| Kidney disease | If you have any kidney weakness or disease. |
| Liver disease | If you have any liver disease or problem. |
| Allergies | If you have an allergy to Anagrelide, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives. |
| Pregnancy | If you are pregnant or hoping to conceive a child soon. |
| Breastfeeding | If you are a mother who is breastfeeding a child. |
How should I use this medicine?
The method of using this medicine is very simple.
- Take the prescribed dose with a glass of water, as prescribed by your doctor.
- Try to take your medicine at the same time every day. That way, you're less likely to forget and the medicine will work better.
- Continue taking this medicine until your doctor tells you to stop. Never stop taking it on your own.
Is this medicine given to children?
In some special cases, this medicine can be prescribed to children as young as 7 years old. But it is done very carefully and under medical supervision. Therefore, if you are giving this medicine to a child, talk to your doctor about it carefully.
What to do if you take too much medicine? (Overdosage)
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, do not panic. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital as soon as possible.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share this medicine with anyone else, even if your symptoms are the same as yours. It can be dangerous.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Anagrelide is a drug that can interact with other medications, so it is very important to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.
| Drug type | Note |
|---|---|
| Do not take Anagrelide with this medicine. | |
| Cisapride, Dronedarone, Pimozide, Thioridazine | Taking Anagrelide with these can cause serious problems. |
| Problems can also arise with these things - inform your doctor. | |
| Aspirin and aspirin-containing medicines | The risk of bleeding may increase. |
| Medicines that prevent blood clotting (e.g. Warfarin) | It increases the risk of bleeding. |
| Cilostazol, Dofetilide, Fluvoxamine, Sucralfate, Theophylline, Ziprasidone | These medications can also interact with Anagrelide. |
| Drugs called inotropes (such as milrinone, enoximone) | These are medications that affect heart function. |
This list is not all-inclusive. So tell your doctor about any other medications, vitamins, herbs, and supplements you are taking. It is also important to tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
- See your doctor regularly: Your doctor will need to see you regularly to check your progress, whether the medication is working or whether your platelet count has dropped. He or she will also order blood work .
- Be careful with sunlight: Some people's skin may become sensitive to sunlight while taking this medication. So avoid going out in the sun as much as possible. If you do go out, wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and use sunscreen.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, Anagrelide can cause side effects in some people. Some of these are serious, while others are mild.
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Bleeding symptoms | Black or bloody stools; red or dark brown urine; vomiting something that looks like coffee grounds; red spots on the skin; unusual bleeding from the gums, nose, or eyes. |
| Changes in heart rate | Chest pain; dizziness; palpitations; fainting; difficulty breathing. |
| Other serious symptoms | Difficulty urinating or a change in the amount of urine you pass; unusual tiredness or weakness. |
| If it persists or is bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Common side effects | Stomach pain, back pain, bloating, gas , headache, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting. |
How should you store your medicine?
- Keep away from children and pets.
- Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius) away from light.
- Do not use any medicine after the expiration date.
- When disposing of unused or expired medications, do not release them into the environment. If possible, crush the pills, mix them with used coffee grounds, soil, or cat litter, and place them in a tightly sealed bag in the trash. If you are unsure, ask your doctor .
Take-Home Message
- Anagrelide is a medicine that controls the increase in the number of platelets in the blood.
- Always take your medicine exactly as your doctor tells you, at the right time. Don't stop taking your medicine arbitrarily.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and health conditions you are taking.
- If you experience unusual bleeding, chest pain, or a rapid heartbeat, seek medical advice immediately.
- If you miss a dose, never take two doses at once.
- Always keep medicine in a safe place, out of the reach of children.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න