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Eltrombopag

Generic name: eltrombopag [ el-TROM-boe-pag ]
Brand names: Promacta, Alvaiz
Dosage forms: oral powder for reconstitution (12.5 mg; 25 mg), oral tablet (12.5 mg; 25 mg; 50 mg; 75 mg)
Drug class: Platelet-stimulating agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Apr 24, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is eltrombopag?

Eltrombopag is used to prevent bleeding episodes in adults and children age 1 year and older, who have chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). ITP is a bleeding condition caused by a lack of platelets in the blood.

Eltrombopag is also used to prevent bleeding in adults with chronic hepatitis C who are treated with an interferon (such as Intron A, Infergen, Pegasys, PegIntron, Rebetron, Redipen, or Sylatron).

Eltrombopag is also used together with other medications to treat severe aplastic anemia in adults and children who are at least 2 years old.

Eltrombopag is sometimes given after other treatments have failed.

Eltrombopag may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Eltrombopag side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

You could develop a blood clot if your platelet count gets too high while you are using eltrombopag. Call your doctor or get emergency medical help if you have:

Eltrombopag may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of eltrombopag may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Call your doctor at once if you have signs of liver problems: nausea, upper stomach pain, confusion, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Before taking this medicine

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

May harm an unborn baby. Do not use if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control while using eltrombopag and for at least 7 days after your last dose. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant.

You should not breastfeed while using eltrombopag.

How should I take eltrombopag?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

You may take eltrombopag in any of the following ways:

Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, break it or mix with food or liquid.

Mix the oral suspension powder only with cool or cold water. Use a new dosing syringe each time you mix the medicine to measure the water and to give the correct dose.

You may need frequent medical tests to check your bone marrow cells or liver function. Your eyes may also need to be checked for signs of cataracts.

Eltrombopag is usually taken for 6 months. It may take up to 4 weeks before the medicine prevents major bleeding episodes.

Keep taking eltrombopag as directed. Tell your doctor if you have any bruising or bleeding that happens while you take and after you stop taking eltrombopag.

If you take eltrombopag with medication to treat chronic hepatitis C, tell your doctor if you stop using any of your hepatitis medications.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the tablets in their original container. After mixing eltrombopag oral suspension, use it right away, if it is not used within 30 minutes throw it away in the trash only.

After you stop taking eltrombopag, your risk of bleeding or bruising may be even higher than it was before you started treatment. Your blood will need to be tested weekly during this time.

Eltrombopag doses are based on weight in children younger than 6 years old. Your child's dose needs may change if the child gains or loses weight.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses in one day.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Taking too much eltrombopag may cause a life-threatening blood clot.

What should I avoid while taking eltrombopag?

Ask your doctor before using an antacid, and use only the type your doctor recommends. Some antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb eltrombopag and should not be taken at the same time.

Avoid activities that may increase your risk of bleeding or injury for at least 4 weeks after you stop taking eltrombopag. Use extra care while shaving or brushing your teeth.

What other drugs will affect eltrombopag?

Some medicines can make eltrombopag much less effective when taken at the same time. If you take any of the following medicines, take your eltrombopag dose 2 hours before or 4 hours after you take the other medicine:

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect eltrombopag, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.