Chronic liver disease can sometimes cause a decrease in the number of platelets, which play an important role in our body. These platelets are what help stop bleeding when we get injured. So, if a person with low platelets has to undergo a medical procedure like surgery, the risk of bleeding increases. Today, we are talking about a special medicine that doctors prescribe to reduce this risk, that is, to increase the number of platelets.
What kind of medicine is Lusutrombopag?
Simply put, Lusutrombopag is a drug that goes to our bone marrow and sends a signal to "make more platelets," that is, it stimulates the production of blood platelets. It comes in the form of pills.
This medicine is not for everyone. It is especially given to adults who have long-term liver disease and therefore have low platelet levels . However, it is not for everyone. It is used to bring the platelet count to a safe level before a medical procedure, such as a tooth extraction or an endoscopy to examine the stomach. This helps control excessive bleeding that may occur during the procedure.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before your doctor prescribes this medication, it is essential to know your complete medical history. Don't hide anything because it's a small thing. Even that small piece of information can be very important for your safety.
Be sure to inform your doctor, especially about the following:
| What you need to know | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Having a history of blood clots | If you or anyone in your family has had blood clots in the veins or arteries before, you should tell them about it. This is because this medicine increases platelets, which may slightly increase the risk of blood clots. |
| Allergies | Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to this medicine, Lusutrombopag, or any other medicine, food, or dye. |
| Pregnancy or trying to get pregnant | If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is imperative that you tell your doctor. |
| Being a breastfeeding mother | If you are breastfeeding a child, inform your doctor about that as well. |
How should I use the medicine?
The method of using this medicine is very simple.
- Swallow this pill whole with a glass of water .
- You can take this before or after a meal . However, some people find it a bit uncomfortable to stomach, so it is best to take it with a meal.
- It is very important to take it exactly as prescribed by the doctor, for the number of days prescribed.
- The most important thing is, do not stop taking this medication or change the prescribed dosage for any reason without your doctor's advice.
What if I 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 (for example, it is only a few hours away), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
What are the possible side effects of taking the medicine?
Like any medicine, Lusutrombopag can cause side effects in some people. Some of these can be serious, so it's important to be aware of them.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Signs of a Blood Clot | Sudden difficulty breathing, chest pain, sudden and severe headache, vision changes, difficulty speaking, sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, pain, swelling and warmth in a leg. If you experience any of these symptoms, go to a hospital immediately. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Headache | A general headache may occur. Tell your doctor if it persists or is severe. |
Are there any problems with other medications?
There are no known serious interactions with this medicine. However, that does not mean that there will be no problems. Therefore, it is important to give your doctor a complete list of all the medicines you are taking (including medicines for other conditions, vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements). It is also important to tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
About storing medicine and taking too much
- Storage: Keep this medicine out of the reach of children . Store at room temperature (between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius). It is best to keep the medicine in the original bottle or package it came in. Discard any expired medicine.
- Overdose: If you think you have taken more of this medicine than you think, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. You can also call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice if you need to.
Finally, this article is only a general summary of Lusutrombopag. If you have any further questions about this medication, please feel free to ask your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Lusutrombopag is a medicine given to adults with low platelets due to long-term liver disease to increase platelet levels before a medical procedure.
- Before taking the medication, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, allergies, and especially any history of blood clots.
- Take only the prescribed dose as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, never take two doses at once.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you develop symptoms of a blood clot (chest pain, difficulty breathing, leg swelling) or severe allergic reactions.
- Inform the doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and your habits (smoking/alcohol) you are taking.
- If you have any concerns about the medication, discuss it with your doctor.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න