ELTROMBOPAG
Background and Date of Approval
Eltrombopag received U.S. FDA approval on November 20, 2008, for treating thrombocytopenia, chronic hepatitis C, and severe aplastic anaemia in patients.
Uses
Eltrombopag has been developed to treat immune (primary thrombocytopenia (ITP) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and also treats low blood counts caused by severe aplastic anemia.
How is it administered?
Eltrombopag is available as a tablet to be taken with an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal). The usual starting dose of an Eltrombopag tablet is 50 mg once daily. Avoid crushing, opening, or dissolving the tablet; swallow it whole with a glass of water. Take this medication as prescribed by your physician. Avoid dairy foods (such as cheese or butter), milk or milkshakes, antacids, and supplements containing iron, aluminum, magnesium, calcium, selenium, zinc, or calcium for 2 hours after or 4 hours before taking this medication.
Side Effects
The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Eltrombopag are nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, cold, cough, respiratory tract infection, back pain, high temperature, cough, loss of appetite, hair loss, swelling in feet or hands, headache, dizziness, joint pain, mouth and throat pain. Report to your doctor immediately if you have low blood counts due to hepatitis C, blood clots, liver problems, bleeding or bruising.
Warnings
Contact your physician immediately if you have severe chronic liver disease, heart or kidney conditions, blood disorders such as myelodysplastic syndrome and blood clotting problems. During the Eltrombopag treatment, your doctor may periodically monitor your white blood cell counts, platelets, blood clotting factors, and cardiac parameters such as Electrocardiogram (ECG) to prevent serious complications. Inform your doctor immediately if you develop cataracts (cloudiness of the eye's lens). You will need to undergo regular eye checkups. Get immediate medical attention if you experience allergies to Eltrombopag and its ingredients.
Precautions
Consult your doctor before using this medication if you are pregnant or plan to have a baby. Using effective contraceptive methods while using Eltrombopag is recommended to avoid pregnancy. Eltrombopag is unknown whether it causes fetal harm or passes into breast milk. However, it is advisable to tell your healthcare practitioner if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to have a baby before starting this treatment.
Word of Advice
Eltrombopag is not recommended for children under one year of age with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). It is also not advised for patients under 18 years with thrombocytopenia secondary to hepatitis C or severe aplastic anaemia. Avoid dairy products such as cheese or butter, or dairy drinks such as milk or milkshakes, as these contain calcium and may affect medication absorption. Do not drive or operate machinery if you experience dizziness, fatigue, or somnolence.
References
GlaxoSmithKline, US Food and Drug Administration, [ Revised on October 2008] [ Accessed on 12th September 2022], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2008/022291lbl.pdf Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Limited, Electronic medicines compendium (EMC), [ Revised on Jan 2022] [ Accessed on 12th September 2022], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.508.pdf Douglas B.cines et al; Safety and efficacy of romiplostim in splenectomized and nonsplenectomized patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia; Haematologica; Published on August 2017; Accessed on 12/09/2022; https://www.haematologica.org/article/view/8154
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ITP?
Immune thrombocytopenia, also known as ITP, is a rare blood disorder. People with ITP have insufficient platelets in their blood. A low platelet count can cause bruising and bleeding.
Who should not use Eltrombopag?
People who have immune (primary thrombocytopenia (ITP) and children under the age of one should not use Eltrombopag. It is also not suggested for people with severe aplastic anemia and hepatitis C.
Will you be monitored during treatment with Eltrombopag?
Yes, you will be monitored during Eltrombopag. Your healthcare provider will regularly access your white blood cell, platelets, blood clotting factors, heart rate, eye test, and complete blood count.
Is it safe to take Eltrombopag on an empty stomach?
Yes, Eltrombopag should be taken on an empty stomach. Because antacids, mineral and vitamin supplements (iron, calcium, magnesium, aluminum, selenium, and zinc), dairy products, calcium-enriched foods, and fortified juices interfere with Eltrombopag absorption. So, please take them at least two hours before or four hours after taking the medication.
What happens if you discontinue using Eltrombopag?
If you discontinue using Eltrombopag suddenly, it decreases platelet count as it can lead to severe bleeding. However, it is advisable to tell your healthcare practitioner before discontinuing this medication.
How to store Eltrombopag?
Store Eltrombopag below 30°C and out of the reach of children. After the expiration date, do not use this medication.