Promacta FDA Alerts

Novartis Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Promacta 12.5 mg for Oral Suspension Due to Potential Peanut Contamination

May 11, 2019 -- Novartis today announced a voluntary recall of three lots of Promacta (eltrombopag) 12.5 mg for oral suspension to the consumer level. The oral suspension lots are being recalled because of a risk of potential peanut flour contamination that occurred at a third-party contract manufacturing site.

Promacta tablets in 12.5 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg and 75 mg strengths are not impacted by this recall and are not manufactured in the same facility.

Peanut is a known food allergen. Potential cross contamination with peanut flour, even in small traces, can lead to hypersensitivity reaction in a population of patients with an unknown or known sensitivity to peanut antigen, including a medically significant anaphylactic reaction, which can be fatal.

To date, Novartis has not received any reports or adverse events for this recall.

Promacta 12.5 mg for oral suspension is indicated for the treatment of certain adult and pediatric patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenia, certain adult patients with hepatitis C-associated thrombocytopenia, and certain adult and pediatric patients with severe aplastic anemia who have not received prior immunosuppressive therapy or had an insufficient response to immunosuppressive therapy. See promacta.com for full prescribing information.

Promacta 12.5 mg for oral suspension was distributed nationwide through specialty pharmacies. Novartis is notifying its distributors and customers by letter and asking them to check for impacted product and to return unused product through directions provided in the recall letter. The affected product name, including the lot numbers and expiration dates, include:

Impacted Promacta 12.5 mg for Oral Suspension Lot Numbers:

Consumers who have impacted product with these lot numbers and NDC numbers in their homes should contact 1-866-918-8772 (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST, Monday through Friday) for instructions on how to return recalled product. For all additional questions, please contact Novartis at 1-888-NOW NOVA (8:30 AM – 5:00 PM EST, Monday through Friday).

Consumers should stop taking Promacta 12.5 mg oral suspension and consult with their healthcare provider. Consumers should also contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this drug product.

Pharmacies that have impacted product with these lot numbers and NDC numbers should contact 1-866-918-8772 (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST, Monday through Friday) for instructions for return of recalled product.

Healthcare professionals with questions can contact Novartis Medical Information at 1-844-ONC-INFO (1-844-622-4636) or at USOncology.MedInfo@novartis.com.
Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.

• Complete and submit the report Online
• Regular Mail or Fax: Download form or call 1- 800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178

This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Source: FDA

Promacta (eltrombopag): Portal Venous System Thromboses in Study of Patients With Chronic Liver Disease

GlaxoSmithKline and FDA notified healthcare professionals of a new safety finding in patients with thrombocytopenia due to chronic liver disease treated with eltrombopag, a thrombopoietin receptor agonist approved for the treatment of thrombocytopenia in adult patients with chronic immune (idiopathic) thrombocytopenic purpura. The ELEVATE study, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multinational study was terminated following the identification of an imbalance of thrombosis of the portal venous system in the patients treated with eltrombopag versus matching placebo. Six patients (4%) in the eltrombopag group and one (1%) in the placebo group experienced a thrombotic event of the portal venous system. Five of the six patients treated with eltrombopag experienced the portal venous thrombosis at platelet counts above 200,000/µL. GSK has communicated this safety finding to clinical trial investigators and regulatory agencies. GSK is working with regulatory agencies to include this safety information in the label.

Action required by Health Care Professionals:

• Health Care Professionals are reminded that Promacta is indicated for the treatment of thrombocytopenia in adult patients with chronic immune (idiopathic) thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and is not indicated for the treatment of thrombocytopenia in patients with chronic liver disease.
• Treatment with Promacta should be aimed at increasing the platelet count to a level that reduces the risk of bleeding; Promacta should not be used in an attempt to normalize the platelet count.
• Use caution when administering Promacta to patients with known risk factors for thromboembolism.
• Exercise caution when administering Promacta to patients with hepatic disease. Use a lower starting dose (25mg once daily) of Promacta in patients with moderate to severe hepatic disease and monitor closely.

[05/04/2010 - Dear Healthcare Professional Letter - GSK]