ELTROMBOPAG belongs to the class of 'platelet-stimulating agents' primarily used to treat low blood platelet count in patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. ELTROMBOPAG is also used to treat severe aplastic anaemia (SAA) in adults. Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura is an immune condition associated with low levels of platelets. Hepatitis C is an infection and inflammation of the liver caused due to hepatitis C virus. Severe aplastic anaemia is a condition in which the bone marrow doesn't make enough blood cells.
ELTROMBOPAG contains 'Eltrombopag' which belongs to the class of 'thrombopoietin receptor agonists'. Thrombopoietin is a glycoprotein hormone that stimulates the formation of megakaryocytes (large bone marrow cells) and further regulates platelet's production. ELTROMBOPAG works by increasing these large bone marrow cells responsible for the production of platelets. Thus, ELTROMBOPAG helps increase these bone marrow cells, thereby stimulating the number of platelets, which further lowers the risk of bleeding.
Take ELTROMBOPAG as prescribed by your doctor. In some cases, ELTROMBOPAG can cause common side effects like nausea, diarrhoea, headache, muscle pain, tiredness, loss of appetite, fever, anaemia (lack of blood cells), cough and tingling numbness. These side effects are not familiar to everyone who take ELTROMBOPAG and vary individually. If you notice any side effects that are not manageable, please consult your doctor.
Let your doctor know if you have any allergic reactions to ELTROMBOPAG or any other medicines, before starting ELTROMBOPAG. It is essential to inform your doctor if you have any heart, kidney or liver problems, blood disorders, blood clotting problems and cataracts before starting ELTROMBOPAG. It is advised to consult the doctor if you are pregnant or planning to conceive. ELTROMBOPAG is not indicated for use in breastfeeding since it passes into the breast milk. ELTROMBOPAG may make you dizzy, hence drive or operate machinery only when you are mentally alert.
Low platelet count and Severe aplastic anaemia (SAA).
ELTROMBOPAG contains 'Eltrombopag,' which belongs to the class of 'thrombopoietin receptor agonists' used to treat low blood platelet count in patients with immune (idiopathic) thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections and severe aplastic anaemia (SAA) in adults. ELTROMBOPAG works by increasing megakaryocytes, the large bone marrow cells responsible for the production of platelets. The increase in these bone marrow cells stimulates the production of platelets. Thus ELTROMBOPAG prevents bleeding episodes by increasing the number of platelets in the blood.
If you are known to be allergic to ELTROMBOPAG or other medicines, please inform your doctor in advance. Brief your medical history if you have blood clots, clotting disorders (Factor V Leiden), blood disorders like blood cancer, myelodysplastic syndrome, cataracts, liver or kidney diseases before starting ELTROMBOPAG. Take ELTROMBOPAG at least two hours before or four hours after consuming antacids, mineral and vitamin supplements (iron, calcium, magnesium, aluminium, selenium and zinc), dairy products, calcium-enriched foods and fortified juices since they interfere with the absorption of ELTROMBOPAG. ELTROMBOPAG is not recommended during pregnancy since it may have harmful effects on the foetus. Consult your doctor before using ELTROMBOPAG if you are a breastfeeding mother. Do not drive or operate machinery since ELTROMBOPAG may cause side effects like dizziness and tiredness, affecting your ability to concentrate and drive. Avoid or limit alcohol consumption with ELTROMBOPAG as it may affect the efficacy of ELTROMBOPAG. ELTROMBOPAG is not recommended for children less than one year of age in ITP and children less than two years of age in SAA.
Drug-Drug Interaction: ELTROMBOPAG may interact with antacids, cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins), vitamin and mineral supplements (iron, calcium, magnesium, aluminium, selenium and zinc), anti-cancer drugs (methotrexate, topotecan), drugs for rheumatoid arthritis (ciclosporin, azathioprine), HIV/AIDS drugs (lopinavir, ritonavir), corticosteroids, and steroid hormones (danazol).
Drug-Food Interaction: Take ELTROMBOPAG at least two hours before or four hours after consuming dairy products, calcium-enriched foods, and fortified juices since they interfere with the absorption of ELTROMBOPAG.
Drug-Disease Interaction: People with blood clots, clotting disorders (Factor V Leiden), blood disorders like blood cancer, myelodysplastic syndrome, cataracts, and liver or kidney diseases should consult the doctor before taking ELTROMBOPAG.
Limit alcohol intake, along with ELTROMBOPAG, to attain the maximum efficacy of ELTROMBOPAG and rule out any possibility of worsening of side effects.
ELTROMBOPAG is not recommended in pregnancy. It may affect and harm the developing baby. Please consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to conceive.
It is not known if ELTROMBOPAG is excreted into the breast milk. Please consult your doctor for more information before taking ELTROMBOPAG if you are a nursing mother.
ELTROMBOPAG may cause dizziness and tiredness affecting your ability to concentrate and drive. Hence, it is recommended not to drive or operate machinery until you are mentally alert.
Let your doctor know if you have any history of liver diseases before taking ELTROMBOPAG. ELTROMBOPAG may cause an increase in liver enzymes. Your doctor may start the treatment with a lower dose of ELTROMBOPAG.
ELTROMBOPAG should be used with caution in cases of renal impairment. It is advised to seek doctor advice before starting ELTROMBOPAG if you have any kidney problems.
ELTROMBOPAG is not recommended for children less than one year of age in ITP and children less than two years of age in SAA.
Immune (idiopathic) thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP): It is an immune condition associated with low levels of platelets, and the blood doesn't clot normally. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks its own platelets. ITP also occurs in children, followed by a viral infection. Symptoms of ITP may include easy bruising, bleeding from gums and nose, blood in urine and stools, heavy menstrual flow and pinpoint-sized reddish-purple spots on the lower legs.
Hepatitis C: It is an infection and inflammation of the liver caused due to hepatitis C virus. This virus can cause both acute and chronic hepatitis. Acute hepatitis C is a short term illness that may range for six months. Chronic hepatitis C is a long-lasting disease that may lead to other severe liver cancer problems or cirrhosis (inflammation of the liver). Symptoms of hepatitis C include fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite and yellowing of the eyes and skin.
Severe aplastic anaemia (SAA): Aplastic anaemia is also called bone marrow aplasia. It is a condition in which the bone marrow doesn't make enough blood cells. SAA is commonly caused due to the damage of bone marrow. This damage can be a congenital disability or may occur because of radiation, chemotherapy, toxic chemicals, certain drugs and infections. Symptoms of SAA include fatigue, frequent infections, rapid heart rate and bleeding.