Elobopa 25 (Eltrombopag)

Eltrombopag, sold under the brand name Elobopa, Promacta among others, is a medication used to treat thrombocytopenia (abnormally low platelet counts) and severe aplastic anemia. It is a thrombopoietin receptor agonist.

Medical uses
Eltrombopag was initially approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on November 20, 2008, for the treatment of thrombocytopenia in people with chronic immune (idiopathic) thrombocytopenic purpura who have had an insufficient response to corticosteroids, immunoglobulin therapy, or splenectomy.

On August 24, 2015, the FDA approved eltrombopag (Promacta for oral suspension) for the treatment of thrombocytopenia in children one year and older with idiopathic thrombocytopenia who have had an insufficient response to corticosteroids, immunoglobulins, or splenectomy.

Why is this medication prescribed?
Eltrombopag is used to increase the number of platelets (cells that help the blood clot) to decrease the risk of bleeding in adults and children 1 year of age and older who have 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) and who have not been helped or cannot be treated with other treatments, including medications or surgery to remove the spleen. Eltrombopag is also used to increase the number of platelets in people who have hepatitis C (a viral infection that may damage the liver) so that they can begin and continue treatment with interferon (Peginterferon, Pegintron, others) and ribavirin (Rebetol). Eltrombopag is also used in combination with other medications to treat aplastic anemia (condition in which the body does not make enough new blood cells) in adults and children 2 years of age and older. It is also used to treat aplastic anemia in adults who have not been helped with other medications. Eltrombopag is used to increase the number of platelets enough to decrease the risk of bleeding in people with ITP or aplastic anemia, or to allow treatment with interferon and ribavirin in people with hepatitis C. However it is not used to increase the number of platelets to a normal level. Eltrombopag should not be used to treat people who have low numbers of platelets due to conditions other than ITP, hepatitis C, or aplastic anemia. Eltrombopag is in a class of medications called thrombopoietin receptor agonists. It works by causing the cells in the bone marrow to produce more platelets.

How should this medicine be used?
Eltrombopag comes as a tablet and as a powder for oral suspension (liquid) to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating. Take eltrombopag 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 eltrombopag exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Take eltrombopag at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after you eat or drink foods that contain a lot of calcium, such as dairy products, calcium-fortified juices, cereals, oatmeal, and breads; trout; clams; leafy green vegetables such as spinach and collard greens; and tofu and other soy products. Ask your doctor if you are not sure if a food contains a lot of calcium. You may find it helpful to take eltrombopag close to the beginning or end of your day so that you will be able to eat these foods during most of your waking hours.

Swallow the tablets whole. Do not split, chew, or crush them and mix them into food or liquids.

If you are taking the powder for oral suspension, carefully read the manufacturer's instructions for use that comes with the medication. These instructions describe how to prepare and measure your dose. Mix the powder with cool or cold water before use. Do not mix the powder with hot water. Immediately after preparation, swallow the dose. If it is not taken within 30 minutes or if there is remaining liquid, dispose of the mixture in the trash (do not pour it down the sink).

Do not allow the powder to touch your skin. If you spill the powder on your skin, wash it off immediately with soap and water. Call your doctor if you have a skin reaction or if you have any questions.

Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of eltrombopag and adjust your dose depending on your response to the medication. At the beginning of your treatment, your doctor will order a blood test to check your platelet level once every week. Your doctor may increase your dose if your platelet level is too low. If your platelet level is too high, your doctor may decrease your dose or may not give you eltrombopag for a time. After your treatment has continued for some time and your doctor has found the dose of eltrombopag that works for you, your platelet level will be checked less often. Your platelet level will also be checked weekly for at least 4 weeks after you stop taking eltrombopag.

If you have chronic ITP, you may receive other medications to treat your condition along with eltrombopag. Your doctor may decrease your dose of these medications if eltrombopag works well for you.

Eltrombopag does not work for everyone. If your platelet level does not increase enough after you have taken eltrombopag for some time, your doctor may tell you to stop taking eltrombopag.

Eltrombopag may help to control your condition but will not cure it. Continue to take eltrombopag even if you feel well. Do not stop taking eltrombopag without talking to your doctor.

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?
Eltrombopag may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
back pain
muscle aches or spasms
headache
flu symptoms such as fever, headache, sore throat, cough, tiredness, chills, and body aches
weakness
extreme tiredness
decreased appetite
pain or swelling in the mouth or throat
hair loss
rash
skin color changes
skin tingling, itching, or burning
swelling of the ankles, feet, or lower legs
toothache (in children).