Four types of people should not take Eltrombopag/Eltrombopag

Eltrombopag is an oral thrombopoietin receptor agonist, mainly used to treat chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), severe aplastic anemia, and thrombocytopenia related to hepatitis C treatment. However, as a targeted drug that regulates the bone marrow hematopoietic mechanism, not all patients are suitable for taking it. In particular, the following four groups of people should use it with caution or avoid taking it to reduce the risk of adverse reactions and the possibility of treatment failure.

First, people with severe liver damage should use it with caution. Eltrombopag is mainly metabolized in the liver. Liver dysfunction may cause the drug to accumulate in the body, thereby increasing the risk of hepatotoxicity, such as increased ALT and AST, and even causing cholestatic hepatitis. The FDA recommends that patients with moderate to severe liver function abnormalities carefully evaluate the risks of medication and adjust the dose or discontinue medication if necessary.

Secondly, people who are allergic to active ingredients or excipients are prohibited from using it. Eltrombopag is a small molecule targeted agent. Although its structure is stable, individual patients may experience allergic reactions, including rash, itching, laryngeal edema and other allergic symptoms. If you have a history of similar drug allergies, you should choose an alternative under the guidance of a doctor.

The third category consists of patients with high risk of thrombotic diseases. By stimulating platelet production, Eltrombopag may cause the platelet count to increase abnormally in a short period of time, inducing complications such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism or stroke. Patients with a history of thrombosis, obesity, long-term bed rest, or taking estrogen drugs require additional monitoring when using this drug.

Finally, children and adolescent patients need to be particularly cautious when using the drug. Although it has been approved for pediatric indications in some guidelines, because the physiological metabolic characteristics are not yet fully mature, there are large individual differences in drug absorption and metabolism responses. Dosage adjustments must strictly follow body weight and liver and kidney function parameters to avoid affecting bone development.

Reference materials:https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB06210