Eltrombopag was first approved by the U.S. FDA on November 20, 2008, for treatment of  thrombocytopenia, chronic hepatitis C, and patients with severe aplastic anemia.

Eltrombopag has been developed to treat immune (primary thrombocytopenia (ITP) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and also treats low blood counts caused by severe aplastic anemia.

Eltrombopag is available as a tablet to be taken with an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal). The usual starting dose of an Eltrombopag tablet is 50 mg once daily. Avoid crushing, opening, or dissolving the tablet; swallow it whole with a glass of water. Take this medication as prescribed by your physician. Avoid dairy foods (such as cheese or butter), milk or milkshakes, antacids, and supplements containing iron, aluminum, magnesium, calcium, selenium, zinc, or calcium for 2 hours after or 4 hours before taking this medication.

The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on 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, 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.

Contact your physician immediately if you have severe chronic liver disease, heart or kidney conditions, blood disorders such as myelodysplastic syndrome and blood clotting problems. During the Eltrombopag treatment, your doctor may periodically monitor your white blood cell counts, platelets, blood clotting factors,  and cardiac parameters such as Electrocardiogram (ECG) to prevent serious complications. Inform your doctor immediately if you develop cataracts (cloudiness of the eye's lens). You will need to undergo regular eye checkups. Get immediate medical attention if you experience allergies to Eltrombopag and its ingredients.

Consult your doctor before using this medication if you are pregnant or plan to have a baby. Using effective contraceptive methods while using Eltrombopag is recommended to avoid pregnancy. Eltrombopag is unknown whether it causes fetal harm or passes into breast milk. However, it is advisable to tell your healthcare practitioner if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to have a baby before starting this treatment.

Eltrombopag is not recommended for children under the age of one who has immune (primary thrombocytopenia (ITP). It is also not advised for patients under 18 with low platelet counts owing to hepatitis C or severe aplastic anemia. Avoid dairy foods (such as cheese or butter) or drinks (milk or milkshakes) as it contains calcium and can affect the absorption of the medication. Driving or using machinery should be avoided if you feel dizzy, tired, or sleepy.

1. GlaxoSmithKline, US Food and Drug Administration, [ Revised on October 2008] [ Accessed on 12th September 2022], 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 12th September 2022], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.508.pdf
3. Douglas B.cines et al; Safety and efficacy of romiplostim in splenectomized and nonsplenectomized patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia; Haematologica; Published on August 2017; Accessed on 12/09/2022; https://www.haematologica.org/article/view/8154 

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice; it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.