Anagrelide hydrochloride and Astelin

• Generic Name: anagrelide
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Agrylin

Reduction of elevated platelet counts and associated risk of thromboembolic and hemorrhagic events in patients with thrombocythemia secondary to essential thrombocythemia (ET) and other myeloproliferative disorders. Has been designated an orphan drug by FDA for the treatment of ET.

Management of ET generally based on a risk-stratification approach. Treatment with a cytoreductive agent (e.g., anagrelide, hydroxyurea) usually reserved for patients at high risk (i.e., age >60 years, previous history of thrombosis, and/or platelet count ≥1,500,000/mm3) of developing thromboembolic and/or hemorrhagic complications. Some clinicians also recommend cytoreductive therapy in intermediate-risk ET patients (e.g., 40–60 years of age, platelet count >1,000,000/mm3, and cardiovascular risk factor [smoking, arterial hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, or diabetes mellitus] or familial thrombophilia).

Hydroxyurea (often combined with low-dose aspirin) generally considered drug of choice in high-risk patients with ET because of proven efficacy and infrequent acute toxicity. However, because of potential leukemogenic effects with hydroxyurea when used long term or sequentially with other cytotoxic drugs, anagrelide or interferon alfa suggested as alternative therapy in high-risk patients, particularly younger patients (<40–60 years of age), and in those who do not respond to or cannot tolerate hydroxyurea. Consider cautious use of low-dose aspirin concomitantly with anagrelide based on relative risks of thrombosis and arterial hemorrhage in individual patients. (See Specific Drugs or Foods under Interactions.)

• Generic Name: azelastine nasal
• Dosage Forms: nasal spray, metered
• Other Brand Names: Astelin, Astepro

Astelin (azelastine) is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.

Astelin nasal spray is used to treat sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itching, and other nasal symptoms of allergies, in adults and children who are at least 5 years old.

Astelin is also used to treat ongoing nasal symptoms (runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, itching) that are not caused by allergies, in adults and children who are at least 12 years old.