Eltrombopag Tablets

What is this medication?

ELTROMBOPAG (el TROM boe pag) treats low levels of platelets in your body caused by liver disease or immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). It works by increasing the amount of platelets in your blood. This lowers the risk of bleeding. It may also be used to treat aplastic anemia, a condition that occurs when your body does not make enough new blood cells.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Alvaiz, Promacta

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Cancer
  • Eye disease, vision problems
  • Have had your spleen removed
  • History of blood clots
  • Kidney disease
  • Liver disease
  • Low blood counts, such as low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to eltrombopag, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Do not cut, crush, or chew this medication. Swallow the tablets whole. Take this medication on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before and 2 hours after food. It may also be taken with a meal low in calcium (50 mg or less). Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Take products with aluminum, calcium, iron, magnesium, selenium, or zinc in them at a different time of day than this medication. Take this medication 2 hours before or 4 hours after these products.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, skip it. Take your next dose at the normal time. Do not take extra or 2 doses at the same time to make up for the missed dose.

What may interact with this medication?

  • Antacids
  • Bosentan
  • Calcium supplements
  • Certain medications for cholesterol, such as atorvastatin, fluvastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin
  • Certain medications that treat or prevent blood clots, such as warfarin, enoxaparin, dalteparin, apixaban, dabigatran, and rivaroxaban
  • Ezetimibe
  • Glyburide
  • Imatinib
  • Irinotecan
  • Iron supplements
  • Lapatinib
  • Magnesium supplements
  • Methotrexate
  • Mitoxantrone
  • Multivitamins with minerals
  • NSAIDS, medications for pain and inflammation, such as ibuprofen or naproxen
  • Olmesartan
  • Omeprazole
  • Repaglinide
  • Rifampin
  • Selenium
  • Sulfasalazine
  • Topotecan
  • Valsartan
  • Zinc

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication.

Your vision may be tested before and during use of this medication. Tell your care team right away if you have any change in your eyesight.

This medication may cause liver injury. The risk is increased if you have hepatitis C and also take interferon and ribavirin.

Avoid sports and activities that may cause injury even after you stop taking this medication. Severe falls or injuries can cause unseen bleeding. Be careful when using sharp tools or knives. Consider using an electric razor. Take special care brushing or flossing your teeth. Report any injuries, bruising, or red spots on the skin to your care team.

Talk to your care team if you may be pregnant. Serious birth defects can occur if you take this medication during pregnancy and for 7 days after the last dose. Contraception is recommended while taking this medication and for 7 days after the last dose. Your care team can help you find the option that works for you.

Do not breastfeed while taking this medication.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss
  • Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
  • Blood clot—pain, swelling, or warmth in the leg, shortness of breath, chest pain

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Cough
  • Diarrhea
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Nausea

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

  • Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
  • If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

© 2024 Elsevier/Gold Standard (2023-12-07 00:00:00)


Additional Information From Chemocare.com About Eltrombopag

Self-Care Tips

  • Use an electric razor and a soft toothbrush to minimize bleeding.
  • Avoid contact sports or activities that could cause injury.
  • To reduce nausea, take anti-nausea medications as prescribed by your doctor, and eat small, frequent meals.
  • If needed, follow regimen of anti-diarrhea medication as prescribed by your health care professional.
  • Eat foods that may help reduce diarrhea (see managing side effects - diarrhea).
  • Ask your health care provider for advice on what you may use if headache, muscle or joint aches develop.
  • For flu-like symptoms, keep warm with blankets and drink plenty of liquids. There are medications that can help reduce the discomfort caused by chills. Ask your provider what is safe for you to use if needed.
  • In general, drinking alcoholic beverages should be kept to a minimum or avoided completely. You should discuss this with your doctor.
  • Get plenty of rest.
  • Maintain good nutrition.
  • Remain active as you are able. Gentle exercise is encouraged such as a daily walk.
  • If you experience symptoms or side effects, be sure to discuss them with your health care team. They can prescribe medications and/or offer other suggestions that are effective in managing such problems.

When to Contact Your Doctor or Health Care Provider

Contact your health care provider immediately, day or night, if you should experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Fever of 100.4° F (38° C) or higher, chills (possible signs of infection)

The following symptoms require medical attention, but are not an emergency. Contact your health care provider within 24 hours of noticing any of the following:

  • Nausea (interferes with ability to eat and unrelieved with prescribed medication)
  • Vomiting (vomiting more than 4-5 times in a 24-hour period)
  • Diarrhea (4-6 episodes in a 24-hour period)
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising
  • Black or tarry stools, or blood in your stools
  • Blood in the urine
  • Pain or burning with urination
  • Extreme fatigue (unable to carry on self-care activities)
  • Liver problems identified by:
    • Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes
    • Severe nausea and vomiting
    • Pain on the right side of your stomach
    • Dark, tea colored urine
    • Bleeding or bruising more easily than normal

Always inform your health care provider if you experience any unusual symptoms.


Clinical Trials

Search Cancer Clinical Trials

Carefully controlled studies to research the safety and benefits of new drugs and therapies.

Search

Peer Support

4th Angel Mentoring Program

Connect with a 4th Angel Mentor and speak to someone who understands.

4thangel.ccf.org

ChemoCare

Social Links