Promacta (Eltrombopag Tablets) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Promacta

Thrombocytopenia (Low Platelet Count) »

What is thrombocytopenia?

Thrombocytopenia is a lower than normal number of platelets in the blood.

Platelets are one of the components of the blood along with white and red blood cells. Platelets play an important role in clotting and bleeding. Platelets are made in the bone marrow similar to other cells in the blood such as, white blood cells and red blood cells. Platelets originate from megakaryocytes which are large cells found in the bone marrow. The fragments of these megakaryocytes are platelets that are released into the blood stream. The circulating platelets make up about two third of the platelets that are released from the bone marrow. The other one third is typically stored (sequestered) in the spleen.

Platelets, in general, have a brief 7 to 10 days life in the blood, after which they are removed from the blood circulation. The number of platelets in the blood is referred to as the platelet count and is normally betw...

Read the Thrombocytopenia (Low Platelet Count) article »

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Promacta Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking eltrombopag (Promacta)?

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication. Before you take eltrombopag, tell your doctor if you have:

liver disease;
kidney disease;
cataract;
a history of stroke or blood clot; or
if you are of Eastern Asian descent.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether eltrombopag is harmful to an unborn baby. Before you take this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Your name may need to be listed on a pregnancy registry if you become pregnant while taking eltrombopag. The purpose of this registry is to track the outcome of the pregnancy and delivery to evaluate whether eltrombopag had any effect on the baby

It is not known whether eltrombopag passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not take this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Taking eltrombopag may increase your risk of developing blood cancers, especially if you have myelodysplastic syndrome (also called "preleukemia"). Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about this risk.

How should I take eltrombopag (Promacta)?

Eltrombopag is available only under a special program called PROMACTA Cares You must be enrolled in this program and sign all required agreements in order to take the medication. Read all program brochures and agreements carefully.

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

Take eltrombopag on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

Do not take this medication with milk. Avoid all dairy products or products that contain calcium (including fortified fruit juice) for at least 4 hours before or after you take eltrombopag.

Taking eltrombopag long-term can cause harmful effects on your bone marrow that may result in serious blood cell disorders.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood cells and liver function will need to be tested often. Your eyes may also need to be checked for signs of cataract formation. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

It may take up to 4 weeks of taking this medicine before it is completely effective in preventing bleeding episodes. For best results, keep taking the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if you have any bruising or bleeding episodes after 4 weeks of treatment.

After you stop taking eltrombopag, your risk of bleeding may be even higher than it was before you started treatment. Be extra careful to avoid cuts or injury for at least 4 weeks after you stop taking eltrombopag. Your blood will need to be tested weekly during this time.

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