What is Eltrombopag?
Eltrombopag is used to reduce bleeding events in adults and children ages 1 year and older who suffer from chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). ITP can be described as a bleeding disorder that is caused by the absence of platelets in the blood.Eltrombopag can also be utilized to reduce bleeding in patients suffering from chronic Hepatitis C who are being treated with interferon (such as Intron A, Infergen, Pegasys, PegIntron, Rebetron, Redipen, or Sylatron).Eltrombopag can also be used in conjunction with other medicines for treating severe anemia that is aplastic in children and adults that are at least 2 years old.Eltrombopag can be administered when other treatments have not worked.Eltrombopag could be used for other purposes that are not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Eltrombopag
See a doctor immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms that indicate an allergic reaction, such as symptoms of hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your lips, face, and tongue,There is a chance that you will create a blood clot if your platelet count is excessively high when you are taking the drug eltrombopag. Contact your physician or seek emergency medical attention in the event that you suffer from:
- Indications of symptoms of a stroke—sudden weakness or numbness, serious headache or slurred speech, difficulties with balance or vision;
- Indications for a blood clot inside the lung, such as chest pain, an abrupt and loud cough or shortness of breath, nausea, and vomiting up blood;
- Indications that a blood clot is inside the body: pain, swelling, pain, or heat on one leg;
- Indications that a blood clot has formed within the stomach: severe stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea
Eltrombopag can cause severe adverse effects. Contact your doctor immediately if you suffer from:
- Bleeding or bruising in the course of treatment or following the eltrombopag drug;
- Vision changes or tunnel vision. Eye pain or seeing halos around the lights
- Discomfort or burning sensation during urination;
- Low red blood cells (anemia)--pale skin fatigue, lightheadedness or sluggish, cold hands and feet;
- Liver problems: tiredness, confusion, lower stomach pain, right-sided and swelling in your midsection, the dark color of your urine, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin).
Common adverse effects of eltrombopag could include:
- Nausea, diarrhea;
- Fever;
- Cough;
- Headache, tiredness;
- Anemia; or
- Abnormal liver or bone marrow test of function.
This isn't an exhaustive list of all the side effects. Others could happen. Contact your doctor for advice regarding medical adverse effects. You can report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Contact your physician immediately if you are experiencing symptoms of liver issues. nausea, stomach pain in the upper part of your body, fatigue, and loss of appetite. black stools, dark urine, or jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin).
Before you take this drug
Speak to your doctor if you were ever diagnosed with:
- A blood clot;
- The blood cancer;
- Bleeding issues;
- Cataracts;
- Operation to take out your spleen
- If you're of East or Southeast Asian descent,
- The liver condition (unless it is treated for hepatitis C).
Could harm the unborn baby. Avoid using it in the case of pregnancy. Utilize effective birth control when you are using the drug eltrombopag and for at least 7 days following the last dose. Inform your doctor if you fall pregnant.Breastfeeding is not recommended when using eltrombopag.
How to take Eltrombopag?
Follow all the instructions on the prescription label and review all medication guides and instructions. The doctor might alter the dosage. Make sure you take the medicine precisely as directed.
There are many ways to take an eltrombopag. Any of these methods:
- With an empty stomach, at least one hour prior to or two hours after having eaten;
- By eating a diet that contains less than 50 milligrams of calcium, or
- At least two hours prior to or for at least 4 hours following the consumption of foods that are high in calcium (dairy products such as calcium-fortified juices, some foods, and vegetables).
Take it whole. Swallow the tablet entirely and don't crush, chew, break it, or mix it with liquids or food.Mix the powder of the oral suspension only with cold or cool water. Use a fresh dosing syringe for each moment you stir the powder to determine the amount of water used and provide the appropriate dosage.It is possible that you will require frequent medical tests to assess the bone marrow cells in your body or the liver's function. Eyes may also have to be examined for symptoms of cataracts.Eltrombopag is typically used for a period of six months. It could take as long as 4 weeks before the drug can stop bleeding episodes of a major nature.Continue taking eltrombopag according to the directions. Consult your physician if you suffer from bleeding or bruising that occurs during and/or after stopping taking eltrombopag.If you take eltrombopag in conjunction with treatment for chronic hepatitis C, consult your physician when you stop taking one of these medications.
Keep the tablets at room temperature, free of heat and moisture. Store tablets in their original containers. tablet in their original containers. After mixing the eltrombopag orally suspension, make sure to make use of it immediately, and if not utilized within 30 minutes, put it in the trash.When you cease taking eltrombopag, the chance of bleeding or bruising could be greater than it was prior to when you began treatment. Your blood needs to be tested every week during this time.Eltrombopag dosages are based on weight for children who are younger than six years old. Your child's dosage requirements could be altered if your child grows or loses weight.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Do not miss the missed dose, and then take the next dose at the normal time. Don't take more than two doses on the same day.
What happens if I overdose?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222.Intoxication with too much eltrombopag could result in a fatal blood clot.
What should be avoided?
Consult your physician before taking an antacid. Use only the one that your doctor recommends. Certain anti-inflammatory medications may make it difficult for the body to absorb eltrombopag, so they shouldn't be taken in conjunction.Avoid activities that could increase the chances of injury or bleeding for at least 4 weeks following the time you stop taking the eltrombopag. Make sure you take extra care when cleaning your teeth or shaving.
Interaction with other drug
Certain medicines may reduce the effectiveness of eltrombopag when it is taken concurrently. If you're taking any of the following medications, you should take your eltrombopag dosage 2 hours prior to or 4 hours after taking another medicine:
- Antacids that are composed of magnesium, calcium, and aluminum
- Mineral or vitamin supplements that include aluminum as well as calcium, iron, magnesium, selenium, or zinc
Discuss with your doctor all other medicines you take, including:
- Medication used to stop blood clots: clopidogrel, alteplase, warfarin, dipyridamole, and apixaban; or
- Cholesterol-lowering medicine: atorvastatin, ezetimibe, fluvastatin, pitavastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, or simvastatin.
This list is not exhaustive. Other drugs can interact with the eltrombopag system, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal remedies. The interactions of all drugs are listed here.