1. Eltrombopag oral tablet is available as a brand-name drug. It’s not available as a generic drug. Brand name: Promacta.
  2. Eltrombopag comes in two forms: oral tablet and oral suspension.
  3. Eltrombopag oral tablet is used to treat low platelet levels due to chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) or chronic hepatitis C virus infection. It’s also used to treat severe aplastic anemia.

Eltrombopag is a prescription drug. It comes as an oral tablet and an oral suspension.

Eltrombopag oral tablet is available as the brand-name drug Promacta. It’s not available as a generic drug.

This drug may be used as part of combination therapy. This means you may need to take it with other medications.

Why it’s used

Eltromboga is used to stimulate the growth and development of platelets in the bone marrow. Also, it helps patients with low platelet levels who also have the condition of aplastic anemia. Eltrombopag is used to treat:

  • Low platelet levels due to chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). This is a bleeding disorder. Eltrombopag is given to people who haven’t responded well to other drugs or surgery.
  • Low platelet counts due to chronic hepatitis C virus infection. This drug is used before and during treatment with the drug pegylated interferon and ribavirin.
  • Severe aplastic anemia. Aplastic anemia is when you have bone marrow failure, which results in low levels of platelets, red blood cells, and white blood cells. Eltrombopag is used in two ways for this condition:
    • First-line treatment of severe aplastic anemia. This drug can be used as the first treatment option in some cases of severe aplastic anemia. For this use, eltrombopag is given in combination with other initial treatments.
    • Treatment of refractory severe aplastic anemia. Some cases of severe aplastic anemia are refractory, which means the anemia did not improve after treatment with other medications. Eltrombopag can be used alone for treating these cases of anemia.

Eltrombopag is not used to treat myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).

How it works

Eltrombopag belongs to a class of drugs called thrombopoietin (TPO) receptor agonists. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions.

Eltrombopag works by increasing cells in your bone marrow. It causes these cells to make more platelets. This effect lowers your risk of bleeding.

If you have any signs of unusual bleeding or bruising while taking eltrombopag, call your doctor right away. Your doctor may tell you to stop taking this drug if you’re also taking blood-thinning medications.

Eltrombopag can cause mild or serious side effects. The following list contains some of the key side effects that may occur while taking eltrombopag. This list does not include all possible side effects.

For more information on the possible side effects of eltrombopag, or tips on how to deal with a troubling side effect, talk with a doctor or pharmacist.

More common side effects

The more common side effects of eltrombopag can include:

  • anemia
  • nausea
  • fever
  • tiredness
  • cough
  • headache
  • diarrhea
  • flu
  • loss of appetite

If these effects are mild, they may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk with a doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Call a doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency services if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:

  • Liver problems. Symptoms can include:
    • yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes
    • dark urine
    • unusual tiredness
    • stomach pain on your right side
    • confusion
    • swelling of your abdomen
  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This is a blood clot in your legs. Symptoms can include:
    • pain in your calf, foot, or leg
    • swelling or tenderness of your legs
  • Pulmonary embolism. This is a blood clot in your lungs. Symptoms can include:
    • chest pain
    • shortness of breath
    • cough
  • Cataracts (clouding of the lens in your eyes). Symptoms can include:
    • blurry or cloudy vision
    • sensitivity to light
    • trouble seeing at night
    • seeing halos (circles) around lights

Eltrombopag oral tablet can interact with several other medications. Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some can interfere with how well a drug works, while others can cause increased side effects.

Below is a list of medications that can interact with eltrombopag. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with eltrombopag.

Before taking eltrombopag, be sure to tell the doctor and pharmacist about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask the doctor or pharmacist.

Interactions that increase your risk of side effects

Increased side effects from other drugs: Taking eltrombopag with certain medications raises your risk of side effects from these drugs. Examples of these drugs can include:

  • Bosentan, ezetimibe, glyburide, olmesartan, repaglinide, rifampin, valsartan, imatinib, irinotecan, lapatinib, methotrexate, mitoxantrone, sulfasalazine, and topotecan. Your doctor may lower your dosage of these drugs if needed.
  • Cholesterol-lowering drugs such as rosuvastatin, atorvastatin, fluvastatin, pitavastatin, pravastatin, and simvastatin. Increased side effects can include muscle pain. Your doctor may lower the dosage of your cholesterol drugs.

Interactions that can make your drugs less effective

When used with eltrombopag, these drugs can make eltrombopag less effective. This means it won’t work as well to treat your condition. This is because the amount of eltrombopag in your body may be decreased. Examples of these drugs include:

  • Antacids, vitamins, or supplements that contain calcium, aluminum, iron, selenium, zinc, or magnesium. To avoid interactions, you should take eltrombopag two hours before or four hours after taking any of these products.

FDA warning: Liver problems

  • This drug has a black box warning. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A black box warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.
  • This drug may increase your liver enzymes. This can lead to liver damage. Your doctor will check your liver function when you first start taking this drug and during treatment. If your liver isn’t working well, your doctor may lower your dosage or stop your treatment with this drug.
  • This drug may increase the risk for hepatic decompensation in people with chronic hepatitis C.
  • This drug may increase the risk of severe and life threatening hepatotoxicity. A doctor will monitor your liver function and may lower your dosage or stop your treatment with this drug.

The eltrombopag dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These can include:

  • the type and severity of the condition you’re using eltrombopag to treat
  • your age
  • the form of eltrombopag you take
  • other medical conditions you may have
  • other medication you may be taking

Typically, a doctor will start you on a low dosage and adjust it overtime to reach the dosage that’s right for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to suit your needs.

Drug form and strengths

Brand: Promacta

  • Form: oral tablet
  • Strengths: 12.5 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg

Dosage for chronic immune thrombocytopenia

Adult dosage (ages 18–64 years)

  • Starting dosage: 50 mg once per day.
  • Dosage changes: The doctor will test your blood each week to check if this drug is working for you. Based on your platelet counts, the doctor will increase or decrease your dosage. No dosage adjustment is necessary for hepatic imparity or altered kidney function.
  • Maximum dosage: 75 mg once per day.

Child dosage (ages 6–17 years)

  • Starting dosage: 50 mg once per day.
  • Dosage changes: The doctor will test your child’s blood each week to check if this drug is working. Based on your child’s platelet counts, the doctor will increase or decrease your child’s dosage.
  • Maximum dosage: 75 mg once per day.

Child dosage (ages 1–5 years)

  • Starting dosage: 25 mg once per day.
  • Dosage changes: Your child’s doctor will test your child’s blood each week to check if this drug is working. Based on your child’s platelet counts, the doctor will increase or decrease your child’s dosage.
  • Maximum dosage: 75 mg once per day.

Child dosage (ages under 1 year)

It has not been confirmed that this drug is safe and effective for use in people younger than 1 year for this condition.

Senior dosage (ages 65 years and older)

The liver and kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, a higher amount of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This raises your risk of side effects.

Your doctor may start you on a lowered dosage or a different treatment schedule. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too much in your body.

Special dosage considerations

  • For people with mild to severe liver disease: The typical starting dosage is 25 mg once per day.
  • For people with Asian ancestry: The typical starting dosage is 25 mg once per day.
  • For people with liver disease and of Asian ancestry: The typical starting dosage is 12.5 mg once per day.

Dosage for low platelet counts from chronic hepatitis C

Adult dosage (ages 18–64 years)

  • Starting dosage: 25 mg once per day.
  • Dosage changes: Your doctor will test your blood each week to check if this drug is working for you. Based on your platelet counts, your doctor will increase or decrease your dosage every two weeks. They will change your dosage in increments of 25 mg.
  • Maximum dosage: 100 mg once per day.

Child dosage (ages 0–17 years)

It has not been confirmed that this drug is safe and effective for use in people younger than 18 years for this condition.

Senior dosage (ages 65 years and older)

The liver and kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, a higher amount of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This raises your risk of side effects.

Your doctor may start you on a lowered dosage or a different treatment schedule. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too much in your body.

If you have hepatitis C, this drug may increase the risk of hepatic decompensation. It can also increase your risk of severe and life-threatening hepatotoxicity. A doctor will monitor your liver function while you take this drug.

Dosage for refractory severe aplastic anemia

Adult dosage (ages 18–64 years)

  • Starting dosage: 50 mg once per day.
  • Dosage changes: Your doctor will test your blood every two weeks to check if this drug is working for you. Based on your platelet counts, your doctor will increase or decrease your dosage. They will change your dosage in increments of 50 mg.
  • Maximum dosage: 150 mg once per day.

Child dosage (ages 0–17 years)

It has not been confirmed that this drug is safe and effective for use in people younger than 18 years for this condition.

Senior dosage (ages 65 years and older)

The liver and kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, a higher amount of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This raises your risk of side effects.

Your doctor may start you on a lowered dosage or a different treatment schedule. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too much in your body.

Special dosage considerations

  • For people with mild to severe liver disease: The typical starting dosage is 25 mg once per day.
  • For people of Asian ancestry: The typical starting dosage is 25 mg once per day.

First-line dosage for severe aplastic anemia

Eltrombopag is used with other drugs when it’s prescribed for this purpose.

Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older)

  • Starting dosage: 150 mg once per day for 6 months.
  • Dosage changes: The doctor will test your blood regularly to check if this drug is working for you. Based on your platelet counts, the doctor will adjust your dosage.
  • Maximum dosage: 150 mg once per day.

Child dosage (ages 12–17 years)

  • Starting dosage: 150 mg once per day for 6 months.
  • Dosage changes: The doctor will test your child’s blood regularly to check if this drug is working. Based on your child’s platelet counts, the doctor will adjust your child’s dosage.
  • Maximum dosage: 150 mg once per day.

Child dosage (ages 6–11 years)

  • Starting dosage: 75 mg once per day for 6 months.
  • Dosage changes: Your child’s doctor will test your child’s blood regularly to check if this drug is working. Based on your child’s platelet counts, the doctor will adjust your child’s dosage.

Maximum dosage: 75 mg once per day.

Child dosage (ages 2–5 years)

  • Starting dosage: 2.5 mg/kg once per day for 6 months.
  • Dosage changes: Your child’s doctor will test your child’s blood regularly to check if this drug is working. Based on your child’s platelet counts, the doctor will adjust your child’s dosage.
  • Maximum dosage: 2.5 mg/kg once per day for 6 months.

Child dosage (ages under 2 years)

It has not been confirmed that this drug is safe and effective for use in people younger than 2 years for this condition.

Senior dosage (ages 65 years and older)

The liver and kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, a higher amount of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This raises your risk of side effects.

Your doctor may start you on a lowered dosage or a different treatment schedule. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too much in your body.

Special dosage considerations

  • For people with mild to severe liver disease: The typical starting dosage is decreased by half.
  • For people of Asian ancestry: The typical starting dosage is decreased by half.

This drug comes with several warnings.

When to call the doctor

  • Call your doctor if you start taking any new medications while taking this drug.

Disease progression warning

If you have myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), this drug can cause your condition to progress to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). For people with MDS, this drug also increases the risk of death. Don’t use this drug if you have MDS.

Blood clots warning

This drug increases platelet counts. This may cause blood clots. If you have other blood clot risk factors, ask your doctor if this drug is safe for you.

Cataracts warning

This drug may cause cataracts (a clouding of the lens in your eyes). If you already have cataracts, this drug may make your condition worse. Your doctor will give you an eye exam before starting your treatment with this drug. They will also check you for signs of eye problems during treatment. If you develop cataracts, your doctor will lower your dosage or stop your treatment with this drug.

Allergy warning

This drug can cause a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms can include:

  • trouble breathing
  • swelling of your throat or tongue
  • skin rash
  • itchiness

If you develop these symptoms, call 911 or your local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room.

Don’t take this drug again if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to it. Taking it again could be fatal (cause death).

Food interactions warning

Foods that contain calcium may make eltrombopag less effective. These foods include dairy products, such as milk and cheese. Take this drug at least two hours before eating calcium-rich foods, or four hours after eating calcium-rich foods.

Warnings for people with certain health conditions

For people with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS): This drug can cause your condition to progress to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). It also raises your risk of death. Don’t use this drug if you have MDS.

For people with liver problems: If you have liver problems or a history of liver disease, you may not be able to process this drug well. This medication may also decrease your liver function, making your liver disease worse. Ask your doctor if this medication is safe for you.

For people with blood clotting disorders: This drug may increase your risk of blood clots. Ask your doctor if this medication is safe for you.

Warnings for other groups

For pregnant people: There haven’t been enough studies done in humans to be certain how this drug might affect a pregnancy. Research in animals has shown negative effects on the pregnancy when the pregnant parent takes the drug. However, animal studies don’t always predict the way humans would respond.

Talk with your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This drug should only be used if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk.

If you become pregnant while taking this drug, call your doctor right away.

For people who are breastfeeding: This medication is not recommended for use while breastfeeding. This drug may pass into breast milk and cause side effects in a child who is breastfed. Talk with your doctor if you breastfeed. You may need to decide whether to stop breastfeeding or stop taking this medication.

For seniors: If you’re older than 65 years, you may have a higher risk of side effects from this drug. Your kidneys and liver may process drugs more slowly. As a result, a higher amount of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This raises your risk of side effects.

For children: This drug has not been studied in children younger than 1 year with chronic immune thrombocytopenia. It should not be used in children younger than 1 year for this condition.

This drug has not been studied in children younger than 2 years with definitive immunosuppressive therapy-naïve severe aplastic anemia (in combination with other medications). It should not be used in children younger than 2 years for this condition. (Therapy naïve means the condition has not been treated before.)

This drug has not been established as safe or effective for use in children with thrombocytopenia associated with chronic hepatitis C virus infection and refractory severe aplastic anemia. It should not be used on people younger than 18 years with these conditions.

Eltrombopag oral tablet is used for long-term treatment. It comes with serious risks if you don’t take it as prescribed.

If you stop taking the drug suddenly or don’t take it at all: Your platelet counts may decrease. If your platelet level drops dangerously low, it can cause bleeding. This can lead to serious problems.

If you miss doses or don’t take the drug on schedule: Your medication may not work as well or may stop working completely. For this drug to work well, a certain amount needs to be in your body at all times.

If you take too much: You could cause dangerously high levels of platelets in your body. Symptoms of an overdose of this drug can include:

  • blood clots, with symptoms such as:
    • pain, redness, and tenderness in your legs
    • chest pain
    • trouble breathing
    • rash
    • tiredness
    • very slow heart rate

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor or local poison control center. If your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

What to do if you miss a dose: If you miss a dose, wait and take your next scheduled dose. Do not take more than one dose of this drug in one day.

How to tell if the drug is working: You may not be able to feel if the drug is working. Your doctor will test your blood cell levels every week or every other week to check if this drug is working for you. If you’ve reached a stable platelet count, it may mean that this drug is working.

Keep these considerations in mind if your doctor prescribes eltrombopag for you.

General

  • Do not take this drug with food. Take it on an empty stomach. Take it one hour before a meal, or two hours after a meal.
  • Take this drug at the same time each day. Take it at the time(s) recommended by your doctor.

Storage

  • Store the tablets at room temperature. Keep them at a temperature between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C).
  • Keep this drug in the bottle it came in.
  • Do not store this medication in moist or damp areas, such as bathrooms.
  • Keep this drug away from light.

Refills

A prescription for this medication is refillable. You should not need a new prescription for this medication to be refilled. Your doctor will write the number of refills authorized on your prescription.

Travel

When traveling with your medication:

  • Always carry your medication with you. When flying, never put it into a checked bag. Keep it in your carry-on bag.
  • Don’t worry about airport X-ray machines. They cannot harm your medication.
  • You may need to show airport staff the pharmacy label for your medication. Always carry the original prescription-labeled container with you.
  • Do not put this medication in your car’s glove compartment or leave it in the car. Be sure to avoid doing this when the weather is very hot or very cold.

Clinical monitoring

Your doctor should monitor certain health issues during your treatment. This can help make sure you stay safe while you take this drug. These issues include:

  • Liver function. A doctor will test your liver function before and during your treatment with this drug. If your liver isn’t working well, the doctor may lower your dosage or stop your treatment with this drug.
  • Blood cell and platelet levels. A doctor will test your blood cell levels each week or every other week. This helps the doctor decide your dosage of this drug. They’ll test your blood until your platelet count is stable. Once you’ve reached a stable platelet count, the doctor will test your blood levels once per month.
  • Eye function. This drug may cause cataracts. A doctor will do an eye examination before and during your treatment with this drug. If you develop eye problems, the doctor may reduce your dosage or stop your treatment with this drug.

Availability

Not every pharmacy stocks this drug. When filling your prescription, be sure to call ahead to make sure your pharmacy carries it.

Prior authorization

Many insurance companies require prior authorization for this drug. This means that a doctor may need to get approval from your insurance company before your insurance company will pay for the prescription.

There are other drugs available to treat your condition. Some may be better suited for you than others. Talk with your doctor about other drug options that may work for you.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.