Agrylin is used to decrease the risk of blood clots in patients who have thrombocythemia (too many platelets in the blood). It works to decrease the production of platelets in the body.
This medication is available only through your doctor’s prescription.
This product is available in the following dosage forms:
As with all medicines, the risks must be compared to how much Agrylin will help you. This is a decision that you and your doctor will make together. For this medication, there are many things that need to be considered:
Allergies: Inform your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to Doxorubicin or to any other medications. It is also important to inform your doctor of any non-medicine allergies such as foods, dyes, preservatives or animals.
Pediatric: No appropriate studies have been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of this medication in children. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric Usage: Up-to-date studies have not shown any problems specific to the elderly that would limit the use of this medication in the elderly population.
Pregnancy: This medication is listed as Pregnancy Category C. This means that animal studies have shown an adverse effect and no studies have been performed on pregnant women OR there are no adequate studies on pregnant animals and pregnant women.
Breastfeeding: There are no up-to-date studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication while breastfeeding. Weigh the potential risks with the benefits before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions: Certain medications should not be used together. However, in certain cases, two medications may be used together, even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change your dose or take other precautions.When taking this medication, it is important that you inform your doctor if you are taking any of the medications listed below. The following interactions were selected on the basis of potential significance and are not all-inclusive.Using this medication with any of the following is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication, or change some of the other medications you take:
Amifampridine
Bepridil
Cisapride
Dronedarone
Mesoridazine
Pimozide
Piperaquine
Riociguat
Saquinavir
Sparfloxacin
Terfenadine
Thioridazine
ZiprasidoneUsing this medication with any of the following medication is not recommended, but may be unavoidable in some cases. Your doctor may make the decision not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medications you take:
Other Interactions: Certain medications should not be used while eating, or while eating certain foods in case of negative interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medications may also cause negative interactions. Talk with your doctor about the use of your medication with food, alcohol or tobacco.
Other Medical Problems: Pre-existing medical problems may affect the use of this medication.Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
Liver disease (mild to moderate) - Use with caution. The effects may be increased because of slower removal of the medication from the body.
Heart rhythm problems (congential long QT syndrome, QT prolongation)
Liver disease (severe)
Low blood potassium (hypokolemia) - Should not be used in patients with this condition.
3 Proper Usage
Only take Agrylin as directed by your doctor. Do not take more, less or for a longer or shorter period of time than your doctor tells you.
You may take this medication with or without food.
Dosing
Different patients will be given a different dose of this medication based on the strength of the medication. The number of doses you take each day, the time between doses and the length of time you take this medication depends on the reason you are taking this medication.
The following information only includes the average dose of this medication. If your dose is different, do not change it without first speaking to your doctor.
For thrombocythemia (capsule form):
Adults - Start with 0.5 mg four times a day or 1 mg twice a day for at least 1 week. Your doctor will adjust the dose if needed.
Children - Start with 0.5 mg per day. Your doctor will adjust the dose if needed.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medication, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosing schedule. Do not double dose.
Storage
Store this medication in a closed container at room temperature. Keep it away form heat, moisture and direct light. Do not freeze.
Keep out of the reach of children..
Do not keep expired medication or medication you no longer need. Ask your doctor how to dispose of any medication you do not use.
4 Precautions To Take
It is very important that your doctor checks in with the you often while you are receiving this medication to make sure that it is working properly. Blood tests will be needed to check for unwanted side effects. You may also need to have an ECG (electrocardiogram) to check your heart rhythm.
This medication may cause unwanted side effects on the heart. Inform your doctor immediately if you have chest pain, tightness or discomfort, decreased urination, dilated neck veins, extreme fatigue, a fast, pounding or uneven heartbeat or pulse (tachycardia, palpitations), pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back or neck, nausea or vomiting, trouble breathing or unintentional weight gain. These could be symptoms of a serious heart problem.
This medication may increase your risk of bleeding. Inform your doctor immediately if you notice any unusual bleeding or bruising, tarry stool, blood in the urine or stool, or red spots on the skin.
Inform your doctor immediately if you have any changes to your heart rhythm. You may feel dizzy or faint, or you may have a fast, pounding or uneven heartbeat (tachycardia, palpitations). Inform your doctor if you or anyone in your family has ever had a heart rhythm problem such as QT prolongation.
Inform your doctor immediately if you have breathing problems, a cough, a fever, a fast heartbeat (tachycardia), or shortness of breath. These could be symptoms of a serious lung problem.
Do not stop using this medication without first checking with your doctor. You may need to slowly decrease your dose before stopping it completely. To do so will cause the platelet level in your blood to quickly increase.
Do not take aspirin or aspirin-containing products since they may also affect your platelets.
Do not take other prescription or over-the-counter medications without asking your doctor.
Agrylin may produce unwanted affects along with the intended effects. Although not all of these side-effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side-effects:
More Common
Bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
Body aches or pain
Burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, ""pins and needles"", or tingling feelings
Vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
Some side effects that may occur do not normally need medical attention. These may leave as your body becomes accustomed to treatment. Ask your doctor about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Talk to your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome, or if you have questions:
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