Side effects of Anagrelide

[Heather270240]

A few weeks ago I posted a msg regarding side effects of Interferon and several of you very kindly replied. However today I saw my Haematologist who told me that for health reasons I could not have this medication and said the only option open to me is Anagrelide. I can't say I'm happy with this option and it's side effects. Can I have some feedback please from those that take it, Good and bad. Many thanks.

[zfatherhen]

While I had ET, I was on Hydroxeurea which started to make my hemoglobin really low with increased dosage. The doctor decided to switch me to Anagrelide saying it was only suppose to lower the platelets and not the hemoglobin. That did not happen because I was evolving to myelofibrosis. While taking Anagrelide my resting heart rate went from 52 to 72 which is still normal for a lot of people, but not for me. Also, I could feel the blood flow pulsing in my neck. I was not comfortable will those things though nothing bad happened. I have been on Jakafi for 5 years now which is very expensive, though it has been controlling my MF. Also while on Anagrelide, I would get terrible itching after a shower. That is a symptom of the disease. Hydroxeurea and Jakafi both eliminated the itching.

[Heather270240 in reply to zfatherhen]

Hi Zfatherhen. Many thanks for your comments re Anagrelide, the same symptoms which everyone experience. I'm glad you have found a satisfactory combination of medication. .

[Karenann12342]

I have been taking Anagrelide for about 18 years. 1. mg a day and it keeps my platelets under 600 . And I take an 81 coated aspirin daily with that.

[Heather270240]

Many thanks for your msg. It was decided by my Haematologist to Keep me on Ruxolitinib.