Eltrombopag - Have you been prescribed this medication? Let's find out the details

Has your doctor told you that you have low platelets and are at risk of bleeding ? You may have been prescribed a medication called Eltrombopag to treat it. Since this is a special medication, you may have a lot of questions about it. Don't worry, we'll talk about this medication in simple terms, how to use it, and what to watch out for.

Simply put, what is Eltrombopag?

This is a suspension , which means it comes in a liquid form. Its main function is to increase the number of platelets in your body.

Think about how we stop bleeding when we get a wound somewhere in our body. These little cells called platelets help with that. They clump together to form a blood clot and stop the bleeding. So when the platelet count decreases, even a small wound is more likely to cause major bleeding.

This medicine is mainly used for:

• People with low platelet counts due to liver disease or a condition called immune thrombocytopenia ( ITP ), which is a problem with the immune system.
• It is also used to treat a condition called `aplastic anemia.` In this condition, the bone marrow produces very little new blood cells (red cells, white cells, and platelets).

Simply put, this medicine stimulates the bone marrow and helps it produce more platelets, which reduces the risk of unnecessary bleeding.

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication

Before giving you this medicine, your doctor will want to know your complete health history . Therefore, if any of the following apply to you, be sure to tell your doctor.

• Other medical conditions you have:
• Cancer
• Liver or kidney disease
• Eye disease or vision impairment
• If you have a history of blood clots
• If the spleen has been surgically removed
• Other medical conditions that cause a decrease in blood cells (white cells, red cells, platelets)
• Allergies: If you have an allergy to this medicine, Eltrombopag, or any other medicine, food, or preservative.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding:
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother.

It is very important for your safety to tell the doctor this information without hiding it.

How exactly should I use this medicine?

This is a medicine that needs to be used with some caution. It is very important to take the correct dose at the correct time, as the doctor says.

1. How to take: This is a liquid medicine. Shake the bottle well before using. You will be given a specially marked syringe, needle, or spoon to measure the medicine. Do not measure with regular household teaspoons, as they are not accurate.

2. Time to take (this is very important!):

• This medicine should be taken on an empty stomach .
• That means, at least 30 minutes before meals or 2 hours after meals .
• Another option is to take this with a meal low in calcium .

3. Relationship with calcium and other minerals:

• Taking foods, drinks, or vitamins containing calcium, iron, magnesium, or zinc at the same time as this medication will reduce the absorption of the medication.
• Simply put, if you eat something like milk, yogurt, or cheese, take iron tablets, or take an antacid (liquid/tablets for gastritis), you need to leave a gap between the time you take it and the time you take this medicine.
• The rule is: You should take this medicine 2 hours before or 4 hours after taking the aforementioned calcium/iron supplements.

What if I miss a dose of medication?

If you miss a dose, don't worry. Don't make up for the missed dose. Just take the next dose at the scheduled time. Don't take more than the prescribed dose (more than one dose) in a day.

What if I take too much medicine?

If you think you have taken too much medicine, go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .

Other things to be careful about when taking medication

• Regular medical checkups: Your doctor will likely ask you to have regular blood tests. These tests will check whether your platelet count is at the required level and whether your liver is functioning properly. Don't skip these tests.
• Vision changes: Some people may experience vision changes with this medication. Therefore, your doctor may recommend that you have an eye exam before starting and while taking the medication. If you notice that your vision is blurry or you see rings around lights, tell your doctor right away.
• Liver effects: This medicine may have some effect on the liver, especially in people with Hepatitis C.
• Protecting yourself from injuries: Even if your platelet count returns to normal, it's still wise to stay away from dangerous sports and activities that could lead to injury.

A major fall or accident can cause internal bleeding that is not visible from the outside. Be very careful when using sharp tools like knives and scissors. It is better if you can use an electric razor when shaving. Brush your teeth regularly. If you develop any bruises or red spots on your skin, tell your doctor .