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Eltrombopag

Hematopoietic Agent Thrombopoietic Agent

Brand names:

Promacta®

Other names:

Eltrombopag Olamine, Alvaiz, Revolade

Often used for:

Treating low platelet counts in blood, immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), aplastic anemia

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What is eltrombopag?

Eltrombopag is a medicine that helps your body make platelets. Platelets are important for your blood to be able to clot. This medicine is used to treat immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). ITP happens when your immune system attacks your own platelets by mistake.

Eltrombopag is also sometimes used to treat aplastic anemia. Patients with aplastic anemia do not make enough red blood cells.

Routine tests may be used to monitor liver function and eyesight.

Taken as liquid by mouth

May be given as liquid by mouth (powder for suspension)

 
Brain

May be given as a tablet by mouth

 
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Possible side effects

  • Headache
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Increase in liver enzymes
  • Tiredness or fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Joint or muscle pain
  • Abdominal (belly) pain

Call your health care team right away if your child has any of the following side effects: liver problems, confusion, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine (pee), right upper stomach pain, unusual tiredness, swelling of stomach area, symptoms of a blood clot such as pain or swelling of arms or legs, changes in eyesight, confusion, trouble speaking, feeling weak, burning, numbness, tingling. 

Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include rash, hives, itching, fever, chills, headache, muscle ache, shortness of breath, coughing, tightness in the throat, dizziness, low blood pressure, pain in the chest, side, or back, swelling of the face or neck.

Not all patients who take eltrombopag will have these side effects. Common side effects are in bold, but there may be others. Please report any symptoms or side effects to your doctor or pharmacist. Find more information on side effects.

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Tips for patients and families

Be sure to discuss all questions and instructions with your doctor or pharmacist. 

  • While taking Eltrombopag, do not give multivitamins or other supplements containing calcium or antacids (such as Tums®) unless instructed by your doctor.
  • Certain medicines can interact with Eltrombopag. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all medicines your child takes.
  • Tell your doctor if you are of Asian ancestry (such as Chinese, Japanese, Taiwanese, or Korean) because you may need a lower dose of eltrombopag.
  • It is important that patients tell the care team if they are sexually active, pregnant, or breastfeeding.
  • This medicine may make birth control pills and other hormone-based birth control methods less effective. Sexually active patients should use another form of birth control, like condoms, to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.

Eltrombopag at home:

  • Eltrombopag is given 1 time each day at around the same time.
  • The dose of this medicine may be increased until your medical team determines that you have had a response. Always read the instructions on your bottle to make sure you are taking the correct dose.
  • Tablets: Take tablets on an empty stomach.
  • Take this medicine 2 hours before or 4 hours after eating or drinking dairy, minerals, supplements, and some antacids.
    • Examples of antacids: Tums®, calcium, magnesium, iron, multivitamins
    • Examples of minerals: multivitamin, iron, magnesium, zinc
  • Tablets: Swallow tablets whole. Do not crush, chew or break before swallowing.
  • Liquid: Use the measuring device that comes with the medicine. The powder medicine can be added to a small amount of water just before taking. Throw away syringes for liquid medicine after each use. Do not reuse.
  • In case of a missed dose, give the missed dose as soon as possible. If it is near the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not give 2 doses at the same time. 
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Keep eltrombopag in the original bottle.

Learn more about eltrombopag

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Always check the medication label. Many medicines look the same. Do not take any new medicine, including over-the counter medicines or supplements, without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what to do in the case of a missed dose, allergic reaction, or medical emergency. 

This information is not intended to be a complete guide and is not a substitute for talking with your provider. Medicine names, appearance, formulas, or availability may vary by clinic location. Always follow the instructions given by your care team.

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Reviewed: January 2024