Detailed instructions for Eltrombopag/Eltrombopag Tablets and medication guide are here!

Eltrombopag/Eltrombopag trade name Promacta or Revolade, is a thrombopoietin receptor agonist mainly used to treat diseases related to thrombocytopenia. Eltrombopag promotes the proliferation and maturation of bone marrow megakaryocytes by activating the thrombopoietin receptor (TPO-R), thereby increasing platelet production. It is commonly used to treat conditions such as immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), chronic hepatitis C-related thrombocytopenia, and severe aplastic anemia. Next, we will analyze in detail key information such as the indications, usage and dosage, precautions and side effects of Eltrombopag.

1. Indications

The main indications for eltrombopag include:

1. Persistent or chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) : This drug is suitable for adults and children over 1 year old, especially those who are ineffective for corticosteroids, immune globulin or splenectomy. Immune thrombocytopenia is a disease caused by the immune system attacking platelets. Patients often have too low platelets, increasing the risk of bleeding.

2. Chronic hepatitis C-related thrombocytopenia: For those patients with chronic hepatitis C who are unable to receive interferon therapy due to thrombocytopenia, eltrombopag can be used as part of the treatment. It helps increase platelet counts, allowing patients to receive interferon therapy.

3. Severe aplastic anemia (SAA): This drug is used in combination with standard immunosuppressive therapy to treat adults and children who have insufficient response to immunosuppressive therapy, especially for children 2 years old and above. In aplastic anemia, a disease in which abnormal bone marrow function results in a decrease in the number of blood cells, eltrombopag stimulates the production of platelets and other blood cells.

2. Usage and dosage

Eltrombopag usage and dosage vary based on indication, age, and patient-specific circumstances. The following are usage and dosage for common indications:

1. Patients with persistent or chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP):

Non-Southeast Asian adults and children 6 years of age and older have a starting dose of 50 mg once daily, with a maximum dose of 75 mg.

The starting dose for patients of Southeast Asian descent is 25 mg once daily, with a maximum dose of 75 mg.

The starting dose for patients with mild to severe impairment of liver function is 25 mg once daily, with a maximum dose of 75 mg.

The starting dose for pediatric patients 1 to 5 years of age is 25 mg once daily, with a maximum dose of 75 mg.

Generally, patients’ platelet count will increase after 1-2 weeks of taking the drug. Doctors will adjust the dose based on the platelet count to maintain the normal range.

2. Patients with chronic hepatitis C: The starting dose is 25 mg once a day, and then increased by 25 mg every two weeks until the platelet count reaches normal levels. The maximum dose is 100 mg.

3. Patients with severe aplastic anemia:

Patients 12 years old and above: The starting dose is 150 mg once daily for 6 months.

Children 6-11 years old: starting dose is 75 mg once daily for 6 months.

Children 2-5 years old: Based on body weight, the starting dose is 2.5 mg/kg, once daily, and continued medication for 6 months.

For patients of Southeast Asian descent and mild to severe hepatic impairment, the starting dose is halved.

4. Patients with refractory severe aplastic anemia: The starting dose is 50 mg once a day; for patients of Southeast Asian descent or with liver damage, the starting dose is 25 mg once a day, and the maximum dose is 150 mg.

3. Precautions and side effects

When using eltrombopag, patients should pay special attention to possible side effects. Common adverse reactions include:

1. Liver function impairment: Eltrombopag may cause liver function abnormalities, so liver function needs to be checked regularly during treatment, especially for patients with liver function impairment. If patients develop symptoms such as jaundice, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, etc., they should stop taking the drug immediately and seek medical help.

2. Risk of thrombosis: Eltrombopag may increase the risk of thrombosis, especially when used in combination with other drugs. Therefore, patients should closely monitor symptoms of blood clots, such as limb swelling and shortness of breath, while taking the medication.

3. Gastrointestinal reactions: Some patients may experience gastrointestinal discomfort reactions such as nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

4. Allergic reaction: A small number of patients may experience allergic reactions, manifesting as rash, difficulty breathing and other symptoms. If these symptoms occur, seek medical attention immediately.

Eltrombopag, a thrombopoietin receptor agonist, is widely used to treat diseases such as immune thrombocytopenia, chronic hepatitis C-related thrombocytopenia, and severe aplastic anemia. By stimulating thrombopoietin receptors, it promotes the proliferation of bone marrow megakaryocytes, thereby increasing platelet production, helping patients increase platelet levels, thereby reducing the risk of bleeding. Although eltrombopag has significant efficacy, patients need to pay close attention to related side effects and adverse reactions during use due to its possible liver damage, thrombosis and gastrointestinal discomfort.

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