Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Sandoz Anagrelide.
Heart disease: Anagrelide can cause an increased heart rate, a feeling of a racing or pounding heartbeat, swelling in the legs or ankles, and trouble breathing. If you have confirmed or suspected heart disease, discuss with your doctor how Sandoz Anagrelide may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Sandoz Anagrelide, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Heart rhythm: Sandoz Anagrelide can cause changes to the normal rhythm of the heart, including an irregular heartbeat called QT prolongation. QT prolongation is a life-threatening condition that can cause fainting, seizures, and sudden death. If you are at risk for heart rhythm problems (e.g., people with heart failure, Angina, low potassium, or magnesium levels), discuss with your doctor how Sandoz Anagrelide may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Sandoz Anagrelide, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Kidney function: Anagrelide may affect the function of the kidneys for those who already have kidney problems. Your doctor will monitor your kidney function while you are taking Sandoz Anagrelide. If you have reduced kidney function or Kidney Disease, discuss with your doctor how Sandoz Anagrelide may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Sandoz Anagrelide, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: The liver is largely responsible for removing anagrelide from the body. Decreased liver function may result in a build-up of Sandoz Anagrelide in the body, leading to side effects. If you have a history of liver problems, your doctor should monitor your liver function closely while you are taking anagrelide. In some cases, your doctor may need to adjust the dose of medication that you take. Anagrelide should not be used by anyone who has severe liver problems.
Lung inflammation: Lung inflammation (interstitial lung disease), causing difficulty breathing, has occurred on rare occasions in some people taking Sandoz Anagrelide. This complication can be serious and sometimes fatal. If you experience new or worsening shortness of breath or cough (with or without fever) at any time while you are taking anagrelide, contact your doctor immediately.
Pregnancy: Women who may become pregnant while taking Sandoz Anagrelide should use reliable birth control while taking anagrelide. Sandoz Anagrelide should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Sandoz Anagrelide, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if anagrelide passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Sandoz Anagrelide, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Sandoz Anagrelide have not been established for children less than 16 years of age.
