Are you low on platelets? Then let's learn about Eltrombopag!

Has your doctor told you that you have low levels of platelets in your blood? Or do you know someone who has this condition? Some diseases can cause a decrease in the number of platelets in our body. That's when the discussion about this medicine called Eltrombopag comes up. Let's see what this medicine is, when it is given, and how exactly it is used.

What is this medicine called Eltrombopag?

Simply put, Eltrombopag is a drug that helps your body make more platelets. It works by giving your body a little boost to make platelets. This drug usually comes in pill form. You may have seen it under the brand name ``Promacta``.

Who is given this medicine (Eltrombopag)?

This medicine is not given to everyone. A doctor will decide whether you need it or not. This medicine is mainly used in the following cases:

• For people with chronic immune (idiopathic) thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), a condition where there are low platelets. This is when our own immune system destroys our own platelets. Think of it as our own defenses attacking our own cells.
• People with low platelet counts due to chronic hepatitis C infection . This viral infection can also sometimes cause low platelet counts.
• Patients with severe aplastic anemia . In this, the bone marrow fails to produce blood cells, including red cells, white cells, and platelets.

In addition to the aforementioned conditions, a doctor may also prescribe this medication for other reasons. Therefore, it is best to talk to your doctor to find out for sure.

What should I tell my doctor before using this medicine?

Before giving you this medicine, there are some things that you need to tell your doctor . This will help him decide whether this medicine is right for you and how much to give you.

Here are a few things to be aware of:

• If you have or have had cancer .
• If you have had blood clots before.
• If you have eye disease or vision problems.
• If you have kidney disease .
• If you have liver disease .
• Low blood counts , meaning low white blood cells, platelets, or red blood cells (the condition before starting this medication).
• If you have had your spleen removed .
• If you have previously had an unusual or allergic reaction to Eltrombopag , other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
• If you are a breastfeeding mother .

It is very important to tell the doctor about these things without hiding them.

How exactly do you use this medicine (Eltrombopag)?

You should follow your doctor's instructions exactly about how to take this medicine.

• This pill should be taken orally with a glass of water .
• The medicine should be taken on an empty stomach. That is, half an hour (30 minutes) before a meal, or 2 hours after a meal.
• Alternatively, you can take it with a low-calcium diet . Your doctor will tell you about this.
• The most important thing is: It is not good to take certain things within 2 hours of taking this medicine, and within 4 hours after taking it. What are they:
• Calcium-rich foods (e.g. milk, yogurt, cheese)
• Antacids ( medicines for stomach inflammation and gastritis)
• Other supplements or medications containing aluminum, calcium, iron, magnesium, selenium, or zinc .

Follow this exactly, otherwise the absorption of the medicine may be reduced.

• Take your medicine at the right time, at the right intervals . Do not take more than the doctor tells you to.
• Do not stop taking the medication without your doctor's advice.
• When you get your medicine, the pharmacy will give you a special instruction leaflet called ``MedGuide.`` Read it carefully every time you get a new medicine. It contains important information.

Can this medicine (Eltrombopag) be given to young children?

Yes, sometimes this medicine can be prescribed to children as young as one year old , but only in specific situations. However, there are precautions involved. Therefore, if you are giving this medicine to a child, you should talk to a pediatrician about it and follow his or her instructions.

What to do if you take too much medicine? (Overdose)

If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, call a poison control center or the nearest emergency room immediately. Don't delay.

Remember, this medicine is for you only. Do not give it to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, don't worry. Just take the next dose at the next scheduled time. Don't take more than one dose in a day. That means, don't take both the missed dose and the next dose at the same time. Don't take a "double dose."

What other things can interact with this medicine (Eltrombopag)? (Interactions)

Eltrombopag may interact with some medications, foods, or other supplements you are taking. This may change how the medication works or increase side effects.

Here are some things that can clash like that:

• Antacids
• Bosentan
• Calcium supplements
• Some cholesterol-lowering medications: for example , atorvastatin, fluvastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin
• Some medicines that prevent or treat blood clots: for example , warfarin, enoxaparin, dalteparin, apixaban, dabigatran, and rivaroxaban
• Ezetimibe
• Glyburide
• Imatinib
• Irinotecan
• Iron supplements
• Lapatinib
• Magnesium supplements
• Methotrexate
• Mitoxantrone
• Multivitamins with minerals
• NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation, e.g. ibuprofen or naproxen )
• Olmesartan
• Omeprazole
• Repaglinide
• Rifampin
• Selenium
• Sulfasalazine
• Topotecan
• Valsartan
• Zinc

This list may not be all-inclusive. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including over-the-counter medications), herbal remedies, vitamins, and dietary supplements you use. Also, tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs. Some things can interact with this medicine.

What are the things to be careful about when taking medicine?

While you are taking this medicine, your doctor will monitor you very closely .

• To get this medication, you, your doctor, and your pharmacy must enroll in a special program called the Promacta Cares program. This is done to make sure the medication is safe to use.
• It is essential to see your doctor on scheduled days to check on your condition and get the necessary blood tests. Don't miss a single day.
• If you notice any changes in your vision , such as blurred vision or seeing something differently than usual, tell your doctor or a health care professional immediately.

What are the possible side effects of this medicine (Eltrombopag)?

Like any medicine, Eltrombopag can cause some side effects. Some are serious, while others are not so serious.

Side effects that you should tell your doctor about immediately:

If you experience any of these symptoms, tell your doctor as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions: skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue.
• Changes in vision.
• Dark urine.
• General ill feeling or flu-like symptoms.
• Light-colored stools.
• Loss of appetite.
• Right upper belly pain (this could be a liver problem)
• Signs and symptoms of a blood clot: Difficulty breathing; Chest pain; Sudden severe headache; Pain, swelling, or warmth in a leg; Difficulty speaking; Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg. These are very dangerous and require immediate treatment.
• Shortness of breath, chest pain, swelling in a leg. (These can also be signs of a blood clot)
• Unusual bleeding or bruising.
• Unusually weak or tired.
• Yellowing of the eyes or skin (this can also be a liver problem)

Side effects that are usually not serious enough to mention to the doctor , but should be reported if they persist:

These usually subside within a few days. But if they persist, tell your doctor if they bother you:

• Cough
• Diarrhea
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Nausea

This list may not include all side effects. If you experience any other unusual or uncomfortable symptoms, talk to your doctor about them. In the United States, you can report side effects to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Our country also has a similar system.

How to store the medicine? (Storage)

• Keep it out of reach of children. This is very important.
• Store at room temperature , between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius (59 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Throw away expired medications. Do not use them.

Remember the most important thing (Take-Home Message)

Okay, so I hope you now have a better understanding of the drug Eltrombopag that we talked about.

Remember this: This medicine is used to treat several specific conditions that cause low platelets. Only your doctor can decide if you need this medicine, how long you need to take it, and how to take it. It is very important to follow your doctor's instructions exactly, be aware of any side effects, and tell your doctor right away if you have any. This article is just a general guide. Always talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare provider for more information and advice.

Wishing you good health!

` Eltrombopag, platelets, ITP, hepatitis C, aplastic anemia, medication, side effects