Thrombocytopenia

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

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Thrombocytopenia is a condition that develops because your body does not have enough platelets. Platelets are cells that help your blood to clot. Your body may not be making enough platelets, or it may be destroying too many platelets. When platelets become low, your risk for bleeding increases. Severe bleeding may become life-threatening.

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Medicines:

• Steroids help increase platelet production.
• Antibodies help stop the destruction or removal of platelets.
• Antifibrinolytics help prevent bleeding.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Tests:

• Blood tests are done to count your platelets and time how long it takes your blood to clot. Blood tests will also show infection, kidney and liver function, and information about your overall health.
• A bone marrow biopsy will show if your bone marrow is making platelets normally.

Treatment:

• Platelet transfusions may be used to decrease the risk for bleeding or to stop severe bleeding.
• Surgery to remove your spleen may be needed to stop platelet destruction. Surgery is more commonly used to treat immune thrombocytopenia.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• prednisone
• Doptelet
• Promacta
• Nplate
• Cerezyme

View more treatment options

RISKS:

Thrombocytopenia can cause life-threatening bleeding, blood clots, heart attack, or stroke.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

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