Uses of Eltrombopag

Eltrombopag is used to treat bleeding disorder like immune thrombocytopenia (platelet disorder) in patients aged 1-year/above when other medicines (such as corticosteroids/immunoglobulins) become ineffective to treat the disease. It is also used to treat thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) in adults suffering from hepatitis C (viral) infection. The medicine is also indicated for use to treat low blood counts in adults suffering from severe aplastic anemia (rare blood disorder that occurs due to failure of bone marrow to produce new blood cells).

Therapeutic Category

Eltrombopag: Thrombopoietin-receptor agonist

How Eltrombopag works

Eltrombopag is a thrombopoietin receptor agonist that works by binding and activating thrombopoietin receptor protein (molecules responsible for regulating platelet production)which helps in activating the pathways within the cells to increase production and development of bone marrow progenitor cells (membrane bound units responsible for producing all types of cell in bone marrow) which results in increased production of platelet cells in patients affected with immune thrombocytopenia bleeding disorder associated with/without hepatitis C or severe aplastic anemia.

Common side effects of Eltrombopag

• common cold, cough, cold sore, irritation/infection and swelling of sinus/tonsils, itchy/runny/blocked nose, bleeding nose, nasal congestion/sneezing
• loss of appetite, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, gas
• infection in the nose, sinuses, throat, and upper airways
• back pain, bone pain, ear pain, nose/throat pain, toothache
• muscle pain/spasm/weakness
• heavy menstrual period
• sore throat and discomfort while swallowing
• eye problems including dry eye, cataract, spots/deposits in eye, yellowing of white of eye, itchy eye, blurred vision, and/or eye pain
• flu (influenza), pneumonia, infection of lungs, nose, and throat
• mouth problems (including dry mouth, sore mouth, sensitive tongue, bleeding gums, mouth ulcers, blisters in mouth), inflammation of gum tissue
• tingling/prickling/numbness sensation
• decreased skin sensations
• signs of blood clot in deep vein such as pain, swelling, and tenderness in one of your legs
• hematoma (localized swelling filled with blood due to break in blood vessel)
• hot flushes
• toothache
• skin changes including excessive sweating, itching bumpy rash, red spots, and/or changes in appearance of the skin
• hair loss
• signs of proteinuria (protein in urine) such as foamy, frothy, or bubbly-looking urine
• high temperature, feeling hot
• weakness, dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness, fever, chills, general discomfort
• swelling in hands/feet
• sleeping problems, anxiety, depression, migraine (headache)
• decreased vision
• spinning sensation (vertigo)
• gas

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor:

• In case of accidental overdosage
• If you experience signs of blood clot such as swelling/pain/tenderness in one leg, sudden shortness of breath (associated with sharp pain in the chest), rapid breathing, stomach pain, enlarged abdomen, and/or blood in stools
• If you experience signs of liver problems such as yellowing of skin/ whites of the eyes (jaundice), dark-colored urine
• If you experience signs of bleeding in the digestive system such as vomiting blood, black tarry stools, and/or blood in stools

Health Tips for Eltrombopag

• Follow your doctor's instructions regarding the dosage and timing of eltrombopag. Do not change the dose or stop taking the medication without consulting your doctor
• Inform your doctor about all the medications, supplements, or herbal products you are taking to avoid any potential drug interactions
• Maintain a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Adequate nutrition supports overall health and can contribute to the effectiveness of eltrombopag
• eltrombopag is generally not recommended for use in pregnant and breast feeding women
• Alcohol and grapefruit juice may interact with Eltrombopag, potentially increasing the risk of side effects. Therefore, it's advisable to avoid these substances while on this blood disorder medication