Eltrombopag

This page provides a detailed overview of the drug eltrombopag, including its indications, dosage and administration, mechanism of action, available brand formulations with strengths, warnings, and common side effects.

Context and Approval Date

Eltrombopag received its first approval from the U.S. FDA on November 20, 2008, for the treatment of thrombocytopenia, chronic hepatitis C, and severe aplastic anemia.

Mechanism of Action of Eltrombopag

Eltrombopag stimulates megakaryocytes, large bone marrow cells responsible for producing platelets. By increasing platelet production, it helps prevent bleeding and bruising.

All Substitutes

View All
Product Packaging Size Manufacturer Price
Rompag 50mg tablet 7 tablets Hetero Healthcare Limited INR 1100
Revolade 50mg tablet 14 tablets Novartis India Ltd INR 2250
Eltromag 50mg tablet 7 tablets CIPLA Ltd INR 730
Elborom 50mg tablets 10 tablets BDR Pharmaceuticals INR 1750
Elromo 50mg tablets 7 tablets Zydus Cadila INR 1300
Trombonat 50mg tablet 7 tablets Natco Pharma Ltd INR 1600
Eltrocib 50mg tablets 7 tablets Lupin Ltd INR 2100

Uses of Eltrombopag

Eltrombopag is used to manage chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and low platelet counts caused by chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Additionally, it is prescribed for the treatment of severe aplastic anemia.

Information about Eltrombopag

Uses of Eltrombopag

Eltrombopag is designed to treat immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and low platelet counts associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. It is also used to manage low blood cell counts caused by severe aplastic anemia.

How Eltrombopag works

Eltrombopag is a thrombopoietin receptor agonist that promotes the production of new platelets in the blood, helping to reduce or prevent bleeding.

Common side effects of Eltrombopag

Common side effects of Eltrombopag include nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, cold symptoms, cough, respiratory tract infections, back pain, fever, loss of appetite, hair loss, swelling in the hands or feet, headache, dizziness, joint pain, and mouth or throat pain. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience low blood counts related to hepatitis C, blood clots, liver issues, unusual bleeding, or bruising.
1. Take Eltrombopag on an empty stomach, either 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
2. Avoid consuming dairy products or calcium-fortified juices within 2 hours before or 4 hours after taking Eltrombopag.

Warning, Precautions, and Side Effects Associated with Eltrombopag

Warning

Contact your doctor immediately if you have severe chronic liver disease, heart or kidney conditions, blood disorders like myelodysplastic syndrome, or blood clotting issues. During Eltrombopag treatment, your doctor may regularly monitor your white blood cell counts, platelet levels, blood clotting factors, and cardiac parameters, including an electrocardiogram (ECG), to prevent serious complications. Inform your doctor right away if you develop cataracts (clouding of the eye lens), as regular eye checkups will be necessary. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction to Eltrombopag or its ingredients.

Precautions

Consult your doctor before using Eltrombopag if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to have a baby. It is recommended to use effective contraception during treatment to prevent pregnancy. It is not known whether Eltrombopag can harm an unborn baby or pass into breast milk. Inform your healthcare provider of your pregnancy or breastfeeding status before starting this medication.

Side Effects

The common side effects of the treatment with Eltrombopag are nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, cold, cough, respiratory tract infection, back pain, high temperature, cough, loss of appetite, hair loss, swelling in feet or hands, headache, dizziness, joint pain, and mouth and throat pain. Report to your doctor immediately if you have low blood counts due to hepatitis C, blood clots, liver problems, bleeding, or bruising.

Word of Advice

Eltrombopag is not recommended for children under one year old with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). It is also not advised for patients under 18 with low platelet counts due to hepatitis C or severe aplastic anemia. Avoid dairy products (such as cheese or butter) and drinks (like milk or milkshakes), as they contain calcium, which can interfere with the absorption of the medication. If you experience dizziness, tiredness, or drowsiness, avoid driving or operating machinery.

FAQ - Eltrombopag

1What is ITP?
Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a rare blood disorder characterized by a low platelet count. This deficiency in platelets can lead to bruising and excessive bleeding.
2Who should not use the Rompag 50mg Tablet?
People with immune (primary thrombocytopenia (ITP)) and children under one should not use Rompag 50mg tablets. Additionally, individuals with severe aplastic anemia and hepatitis C should not use it.
3Will you be monitored during treatment with the Rompag 50mg Tablet?
Yes, you will be closely monitored while taking Rompag 50mg tablets. Your healthcare provider will routinely assess your white blood cell count, platelet levels, blood clotting factors, heart rate, vision, and perform a complete blood count (CBC).
4Is it safe to take Rompag 50mg tablets on an empty stomach?
Yes, Rompag 50mg tablets should be taken on an empty stomach. This is because antacids, mineral and vitamin supplements (such as iron, calcium, magnesium, aluminum, selenium, and zinc), dairy products, calcium-enriched foods, and fortified juices can interfere with the absorption of the medication. It is recommended to take these substances at least two hours before or four hours after taking Rompag 50mg tablets.
5What are the consequences of discontinuing Rompag 50mg tablets?
Discontinuing Rompag 50mg tablets may lead to a decrease in platelet levels, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding or bruising. It is important to consult your healthcare provider before stopping the medication, as they can provide guidance and monitor your condition to prevent complications.
6Eltrombopag tablet price in india​

Eltrombopag tablet price in india​

INR 1100 per strip of 7 tablets

References

1. GlaxoSmithKline, US Food and Drug Administration, [ Revised on October 2008] [Accessed on 22 May 2023],https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2008/022291lbl.pdf
2. Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Limited, Electronic medicines compendium (EMC), [ Revised on Jan 2022] [Accessed on 22 May 2023],https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.508.pdf
3. Revolade, Annex I summary of Product Characteristics - European Medicines Agency. Available at:https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/revolade-epar-product-information_en.pdf[Accessed on 22 May 2023].