Sometimes, due to certain liver conditions, the number of platelets, or blood-clotting cells, in your body can decrease. This can make it difficult to stop bleeding even from a small cut. In such cases, your doctor may prescribe a special medication called Lusutrombopag to reduce the risk of bleeding.
Simply put, what is this drug called Lusutrombopag?
Lusutrombopag (lu-su-trom-bo-pag) is a medication that helps increase the number of platelets your body produces. These platelets are what help stop bleeding and form a blood clot when we get injured somewhere in our body.
Some people with liver disease may have low platelet counts. This can cause them to bleed easily. This medicine works by increasing the platelet count and reducing the risk of unwanted bleeding. In Sri Lanka, you may find this medicine under the brand name Mulpleta .
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before prescribing this medication, your doctor will ask you some questions. But it's very important for you to inform him about these things as well.
| Situation you need to report | Why is that? |
|---|---|
| If you have had a blood clot before. | Because this medication increases platelet count, the doctor has to be especially careful about the risk of blood clots. |
| If you have an allergic reaction to this medicine, another medicine, food, or dye. | This will help determine if you are likely to have an allergic reaction before starting the medication. |
| If you are pregnant or expecting a baby. | You should talk to your doctor about the safety of this medication during pregnancy and make a decision. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother. | You should discuss with your doctor whether the medicine passes to the baby through breast milk and whether it has any effect. |
How to use the medicine correctly?
To get the most out of a medication, it is essential to use it as directed.
- This pill should be taken orally with a glass of water.
- The most important thing is to take it at the same time every day, exactly as your doctor prescribed . Make it a habit.
- You can take this before, with, or after meals. However, if you feel like you have an upset stomach, it is best to take it with a meal.
- Continue to take the medicine as prescribed until your doctor says, "Enough, stop."
If you give it to children...
Special care may be needed if this medicine is given to young children, so talk to your doctor about it.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
The most important thing is that this medicine is for you only. Never give your medicine to anyone else. It could harm them.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
Forgetting to take a dose of medicine is something that can happen to anyone. If this happens, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose when you remember, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
Your doctor will monitor your condition closely while you are taking this medication. He or she will also order blood work to check your platelet count and to see if the medication is working. It is your responsibility to get these tests done correctly.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Lusutrombopag can cause side effects in some people, but not everyone gets them. The important thing is to know what the side effects are and what to do if they occur.
| Side effect | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | If you experience symptoms such as skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, it could be a sign of a severe allergy. Seek immediate treatment. |
| Symptoms of a blood clot | If you experience sudden pain, swelling or redness in your leg, difficulty breathing, or chest pain, it could be a sign of a blood clot in a vein. Go to the hospital immediately. |
| Notify doctor if persistent or bothersome | |
| Headache | This is a common side effect, but if it persists or bothers you a lot, talk to your doctor. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything unusual, don't be afraid to ask your doctor about it.
How do you keep your medicine safe?
- Be sure to keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets .
- Store at normal room temperature (between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius). That means don't store it in a cold place like the fridge or in a hot place like in the sun.
- It is best to keep the medicine in the original bottle or packet you received it in.
- Do not use expired medicine for any reason.
How do I dispose of leftover or expired medicine?
If you have unused or expired medications, it is not a good idea to just throw them in the trash or flush them down the toilet. It is best to ask your doctor for advice on this. If you must throw them in the trash, take the pills out of the bottle, mix them with something like used tea leaves, coffee grounds, or soil, and put them in a tightly sealed bag. This will reduce the chance that a child or animal will put them in their mouths.
Take-Home Message
- Lusutrombopag is a medication given to reduce the risk of bleeding in people with low platelet counts due to liver disease.
- Always take your medicine exactly as your doctor tells you, at the right time.
- Before taking the medication, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions (especially if you have a history of blood clots) and allergies.
- If you experience any signs of an allergy (redness, swelling) or signs of a blood clot (leg pain, difficulty breathing), seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with anyone else.
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