Sometimes your doctor may tell you that your platelet count is low. This can happen, especially in people with chronic liver disease, before a medical or dental procedure, or when you have a condition called ITP that is difficult to control with other treatments. So, a special type of medication that is given at this time is called Avatrombopag. Let's talk in detail about this medication, how it is used, and what to be careful about.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, this medicine called Avatrombopag helps our bodies make more platelets. Platelets are essential for blood clotting, which helps stop bleeding when we bleed.
This medicine is mainly used in two situations:
1. For people with long-term liver disease: Before any surgery or other medical treatment, if their blood platelet count is low, this medicine is given to increase it.
2. For ITP patients: ITP stands for Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenia . In this, our own body's immune system attacks and destroys our own blood platelets. So, this medicine is used when other treatments have not been successful.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before you start taking this medicine, it is important to tell your doctor the following information. This is very important for your safety.
- If you have had a history of blood clots .
- If you have conditions like Protein C deficiency or Protein S deficiency .
- If you have had an allergic reaction to Avatrombopag or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
Based on this information, the doctor will decide whether this medicine is suitable for you or not.
The correct way to use the medicine
It is very important to know exactly how to use this medicine.
Follow the dosage and schedule prescribed by your doctor. Never change the dosage or stop taking the medicine at any time.
- Take this pill with a glass of water.
- It is best to take this medicine with a meal .
- Take the medicine at the prescribed time and at the prescribed intervals. Do not take more than the prescribed amount.
- Do not stop taking your medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
Should this medicine be given to children?
If you are giving this medicine to children, you should talk to a pediatrician about it and follow their advice. Special care may be required.
What do you do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, do not panic and immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Important: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share it with anyone else for any reason.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Some medications can interact with Avatrombopag, so it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
- Some medications for fungal infections: for example, fluconazole and itraconazole.
- Rifampin: This is an antibiotic given for infections like tuberculosis.
This list is not exhaustive. Therefore, be sure to tell your doctor about any other prescription medications, vitamins, herbal products, Ayurvedic, or traditional medicines you are taking. Also, tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medication, this one can cause some side effects. Some of them can be serious, so it's important to be aware of them.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor or ETU immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Signs of a blood clot | Sudden difficulty breathing, chest pain, vision changes, sudden severe headache, pain, swelling or warmth in a leg, difficulty speaking, sudden numbness or weakness in a face, arm or leg. |
| Signs of infection | Fever, chills, cough, sore throat. |
| Tell your doctor if it persists or is bothersome. | |
| Common side effects | Headache, joint pain, nausea, stomach pain, swelling of the ankles, feet or hands, fatigue. |
How should I store the medicine?
- Keep it out of reach of children . This is very important.
- Store at room temperature (between 15°C - 30°C). Protect from extreme heat or cold.
- Keep the medicine in the original bottle or packet it came in .
- Throw away expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Avatrombopag is a special medicine that is given to increase blood platelets in cases of low platelet count.
- Always take this medicine with food , as directed by your doctor.
- Tell your doctor about your other medical conditions, especially if you have a history of blood clots , and about all other medications you are taking.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of a blood clot or an allergy, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or leg swelling.
- Never stop taking medication without your doctor's advice.
- Always keep medicine safely away from children.
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