Anagrelide hydrochloride and Feiba

• 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: anti-inhibitor coagulant complex
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Feiba, Feiba VH Immuno, Autoplex T, Feiba NF

Feiba is used in people who have hemophilia and have developed antibodies to clotting factor medications.

Hemophilia, an inherited blood-clotting disorder, is often treated with medicines containing clotting factors that help control bleeding. When the body develops antibodies or "inhibitors" to the clotting factor, this treatment becomes less effective in preventing bleeding episodes. Feiba works by bypassing the effects of these inhibitors to improve blood clotting and decrease the risk of bleeding.

Feiba is used to treat or prevent bleeding episodes in people with hemophilia A or B who have developed inhibitors. Feiba is also used to control bleeding related to surgery in people with hemophilia and inhibitors. This medicine is not for treating bleeding episodes in people who do not have inhibitors.

Feiba may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.