It works by inhibiting the maturation of megakaryocytes into platelets.[2] The exact mechanism of action is unclear, although it is known to be a potent (IC50 = 36nM) inhibitor of phosphodiesterase-III.
Common side effects are headache, diarrhea, unusual weakness, nausea and dizziness.
References
^ Voglová J, Maisnar V, Beránek M, Chrobák L (2006). "[Combination of imatinib and anagrelide in treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia in blastic phase]" (in Czech). Vnitr̆ní lékar̆ství52 (9): 819-22. PMID 17091608.
^ Petrides PE (2006). "Anagrelide: what was new in 2004 and 2005?". Semin. Thromb. Hemost.32 (4 Pt 2): 399-408. doi:10.1055/s-2006-942760. PMID 16810615.
^ Harrison CN, Campbell PJ, Buck G, Wheatley K, East CL, Bareford D, Wilkins BS, van der Walt JD, Reilly JT, Grigg AP, Revell P, Woodcock BE, Green AR; United Kingdom Medical Research Council Primary Thrombocythemia 1 Study. Hydroxyurea compared with anagrelide in high-risk essential thrombocythemia. N Engl J Med 2005;353:33-45. PMID 16000354.