AVATODX (Avatrombopag)

Avatrombopag, sold under the brand name Phoavat, Doptelet, is a medication that used for certain conditions that lead to thrombocytopenia (low platelets) such as thrombocytopenia associated with chronic liver disease in adults who are to undergo a planned medical or dental procedure. It was approved for medical use in the United States in 2018,and in the European Union in 2019.

It acts as a thrombopoietin receptor agonist.

Why is this medication prescribed?
Avatrombopag is used to treat thrombocytopenia (a low number of platelets [type of blood cell needed for blood clotting]) in people with chronic (ongoing) liver disease who are scheduled to have a medical or dental procedure to help prevent bleeding complications. It is also used to treat thrombocytopenia in people with chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP; an ongoing condition that may cause unusual bruising or bleeding due to an abnormally low number of platelets in the blood) who were not helped with another treatment. Avatrombopag is in a class of medications called thrombopoietin (TPO) receptor agonists. It works by causing the body to produce more platelets.

How should this medicine be used?
Avatrombopag comes as a tablet to take by mouth. For the treatment of thrombocytopenia in people with chronic liver disease who are scheduled to have a procedure, it is usually taken with food once a day for 5 days, starting 10 to 13 days before the procedure. For the treatment of thrombocytopenia in people with ITP, it is usually taken once daily with food for as long as directed. Take avatrombopag at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take avatrombopag exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

For the treatment of thrombocytopenia in people with ITP, your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of avatrombopag and may adjust your dose, depending on your response to the medication.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

Other uses for this medicine
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What side effects can this medication cause?
Avatrombopag may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
extreme tiredness
headache
nosebleeds or gum bleeding
joint pain.