Eltrombopag
Molecule Description
Eltrombopag belongs to a bunch of medicines known as Thrombopoietin Receptor Ag
onists. It is used to help increase the number of platelets in your blood. Platelets help to reduce or prevent bleeding.
Uses of Eltrombopag
- Severe Aplastic Anemia
- Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenia
- Chronic Hepatitis C-associated Thrombocytopenia
- Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)
Contraindications of Eltrombopag
When should one not use Eltrombopag
- If you are allergic to this medicine
- If you have liver problems
- If you have cataracts (the lens of the eye-getting cloudy)
- If you have another blood condition such as Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)
Side effects of Eltrombopag
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Common side effects:
- Common cold
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Cough
- Infection in the nose, sinuses, throat and upper airways, common cold (upper respiratory tract infection)
- Muscle pain, muscle spasm, muscle weakness
- Back pain, bone pain
- Heavy menstrual period
- Sore throat and discomfort when swallowing
- Eye problems like dry eye, eye pain, and blurred vision
- Vomiting
- Flu (influenza)
- Pneumonia
- Hair loss
- Loss of appetite
- Swelling in the hands or feet
- Serious side effects
- High risk of blood clots
- Liver problems- yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), unusually dark-coloured urine, increased of liver enzymes
- Bleeding or bruising after stopping treatment
- Disturbances of heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
Precautions and Warnings of Eltrombopag
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take Eltrombopag during pregnancy?
A:
It is not advisable for pregnant women. The patient should use a reliable method of contraception. The patient should avoid taking it unless your doctor specifically recommends it.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Eltrombopag while breastfeeding?
A:
Do not breastfeed while you are taking Eltrombopag. It is unknown if this medicine passes into breastmilk.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Eltrombopag?
A:
It can make you dizzy and have other side effects that make you less alert. Don’t drive until you feel alert or active.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Eltrombopag?
A:
Make sure that you consult with your doctor before you take medicine under the influence of alcohol.
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- Inform doctor:
- If you feel swelling, pain or tenderness in one leg
- If you experience sudden shortness of breath especially together with sharp pain in the chest or rapid breathing
- If you feel abdominal (stomach) pain, enlarged abdomen, blood in your stools
Mode of Action of Eltrombopag
How Does It Work?
Eltrombopag acts like a specific natural substance (Thrombopoietin) that binds to the Thrombopoietin Receptor and stimulates to produce more platelets in the bone marrow.
Interactions of Eltrombopag
Interactions with other medicines
- Antacid medicines to treat indigestion, heartburn or stomach ulcers
- Medicines called Statins - to lower cholesterol
- Medicines to treat HIV infection, such as Lopinavir and Ritonavir
- Ciclosporin used in the context of transplantations or immune diseases
- Minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium, aluminium, zinc which may be found in vitamin and mineral supplements
- Medicines such as Methotrexate and Topotecan, to treat cancer
Interactions with food items
The patient should avoid taking dairy foods or drinks as the calcium in dairy products affects the absorption of the medicine.
Dosage of Eltrombopag
Overdose
- If you overdose on the medicine, you may see symptoms such as severe disorders of blood cells and harmful effects of the bone marrow. Contact your doctor immediately.
Missed a Dose
If you missed a dose, take the next dose at the usual time. Do not take more than one dose.
Content Details
WRITTEN BY
Dr. Arpit Verma
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
REVIEWED BY
Dr. Ritu Budania
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How long does it take for the medicine to take effect?
A: You will feel the effect of this medicine in about 2 to 6 hours after the dose has been taken.
Q: How long does the effect of the medicine last?
A: No research indicates how long the medicine’s effect lasts in the body.
Q: What are the precautions to be taken while taking this medicine?
A: Swallow the tablet whole, with some water. Make sure that 4 hours before or 2 hours after you take this medicine, you don’t consume any of the following: dairy foods such as yoghurt, cheese, butter or ice cream, drinks containing milk, yoghurt or cream, milk or milkshakes, antacids (a type of medicine for indigestion and heartburn), some mineral and vitamin supplements including iron, calcium, aluminium, magnesium, selenium and zinc.
Q: What are the liver problems seen while taking this medicine?
A: There will be yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), unusually dark coloured urine, increase of liver enzymes.
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The information provided herein is supplied to the best of our abilities to make it accurate and reliable as it is published after a review by a team of professionals. This information is solely intended to provide a general overview on the product and must be used for informational purposes only. You should not use the information provided herein to diagnose, prevent, or cure a health problem. Nothing contained on this page is intended to create a doctor-patient relationship, replace or be a substitute for a registered medical practitioner's medical treatment/advice or consultation. The absence of any information or warning to any medicine shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance. We highly recommend that you consult your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. You hereby agree that you shall not make any health or medical-related decision based in whole or in part on anything contained in the Site. Please click here for detailed T&C.
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