Anagrelide hydrochloride and Cranberry

• 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: cranberry
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: AZO Cranberry Gummies, Azo-Cranberry, Ellura, TheraCran HP, Cranberry Fruit, TheraCran HP for Kids, Cranberry with Hibiscus, TheraCran One

Cranberry is produced from the berry fruit of a North American evergreen shrub. Cranberry is acidic and can interfere with unwanted bacteria in the urinary tract. Cranberry is also believed to act as a diuretic ("water pill").

Cranberry (as juice or in capsules) has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in preventing symptoms such as pain or burning with urination. Cranberry will not treat the bacteria that causes a bladder infection.

Other uses not proven with research have included: urination problems caused by an enlarged prostate; reducing urine odor to improve quality of life in people with urinary incontinence; or healing the skin around the opening of a urostomy (a surgical opening formed to direct urine away from the bladder).

It is not certain whether cranberry is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Cranberry should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.

Cranberry is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Cranberry may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.