What are the channels for purchasing Eltrombopag/Eltrombopag? hospital or pharmacy

Eltrombopag is an oral small-molecule thrombopoietin receptor agonist, which is widely used to treat thrombocytopenia-related diseases caused by suppressed hematopoietic function or immune-mediated, especially in the treatment of chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and severe aplastic anemia (SAA). It has significant efficacy. Its main mechanism is to promote the proliferation and differentiation of megakaryocytes in the bone marrow by activating TPO receptor (thrombopoietin receptor, c-MPL), thereby increasing platelet production.

According to the approval, eltrombopag is widely used in two main indications: first, for adults and pediatric patients with chronic ITP aged 6 years and above who have received poor response to previous glucocorticoid or immunoglobulin treatments; second, for patients with severe aplastic anemia who have insufficient or ineffective response to immunosuppressive treatment, as an adjuvant treatment to promote the recovery of three blood cell lines.

In terms of drug purchase channels, Eltrombopag has been introduced and launched in China by the original drug Novartis. Patients can purchase drugs through three types of channels: first, hospital prescription drugs, which are mainly concentrated in tertiary hospitals, especially in professional centers for treating aplastic anemia orITP; second, through regular pharmacy platforms; third, overseas and cross-border e-commerce channels, especially for patients who are not covered by medical insurance or need to take medicine for a long period of time, they can choose generic versions to optimize the price. It is worth noting that since the drug involves an immune-modulating mechanism, it is not recommended that patients adjust the dosage themselves or purchase the drug through informal channels to avoid serious side effects such as bone marrow suppression caused by impure drugs or improper dosage.

Currently, the price of eltrombopag has been included in the Chinese medical insurance system, but eligibility for medical insurance reimbursement requires compliance with indication standards and completion of medical record filing. For those in need of long-term medication, patients can also apply for the Patient Assistance Program (PAP) of Novartis or charities to reduce the financial burden.

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