Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Medication For Thrombocytopenia
Question: Need more information on medications for the treatment of thrombocytopenia? My husband has been on anagrelide 0.5mg for the last 4 yrs and now having problems with supply. Doctor recommending Hydrea, which is not approved for the treatment in addition to severe side effects would like to know if there is anything else out there. Thank you
Brief Answer:
Hydroxyurea is the drug of choice.
Detailed Answer:
Hi, dear
I have gone through your question. I can understand your concern.
You have written thrombocytopenia but from your treatment I assume that he has essential thrombocythemia. It is myeloproliferative disease with very high platelet count.
Now treatment depends on platelet count and risk factors. In low risk group no treatment or low dose aspirin is needed.
In high risk group cytoreductive therapy like hydroxyurea or anagrelide can be given.
Anagrelide is better in prevention of venous thromboembolism. Hydroxyurea is better in prevention of arterial thrombosis. In both of them hydroxyurea is better.
Overall hydroxyurea plus aspirin is drug of choice. So you can take hydroxyurea instead of anagrelide. Don't worry about that.
Hope I have answered your question, if you have doubt then I will be happy to answer.
Thanks for using health care magic. Wish you a very good health.
Hydroxyurea is the drug of choice.
Detailed Answer:
Hi, dear
I have gone through your question. I can understand your concern.
You have written thrombocytopenia but from your treatment I assume that he has essential thrombocythemia. It is myeloproliferative disease with very high platelet count.
Now treatment depends on platelet count and risk factors. In low risk group no treatment or low dose aspirin is needed.
In high risk group cytoreductive therapy like hydroxyurea or anagrelide can be given.
Anagrelide is better in prevention of venous thromboembolism. Hydroxyurea is better in prevention of arterial thrombosis. In both of them hydroxyurea is better.
Overall hydroxyurea plus aspirin is drug of choice. So you can take hydroxyurea instead of anagrelide. Don't worry about that.
Hope I have answered your question, if you have doubt then I will be happy to answer.
Thanks for using health care magic. Wish you a very good health.
Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
