Medicine information
Uses & overview
Eltrombopag Olamine Tablets 25 mg are oral prescription medicines belonging to a class of drugs called thrombopoietin receptor agonists. They act on the thrombopoietin receptor to stimulate the production of platelets, which are blood components that help the body form clots and control bleeding. Depending on the approved product information and clinical indication, eltrombopag may be prescribed for adults or children with persistent or chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), certain cases of severe aplastic anaemia, or thrombocytopenia associated with chronic hepatitis C treatment. The approved uses may vary by country and product. The medicine is not suitable for every patient with a low platelet count and should be used only under specialist supervision. Treatment aims to achieve an appropriate platelet count and reduce the risk of bleeding. It does not cure every underlying cause of thrombocytopenia, and platelet counts may fall again after treatment is discontinued. Possible adverse effects include nausea, diarrhoea, headache, fatigue, and changes in liver enzyme levels. Important risks include liver injury, excessive platelet counts, and blood clots. Regular blood counts and liver function tests are therefore essential.
How to use
Follow your specialist's prescription: Take the exact dose and frequency prescribed. Never increase or reduce the dose independently, because excessive platelet counts may increase the risk of blood clots. Take the tablet consistently: Follow the product instructions regarding the time of administration. Swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not crush, chew, or split it unless the specific product instructions explicitly permit this. Observe food restrictions: Eltrombopag tablets should generally be taken without food or with a meal containing little calcium. Follow the instructions for your specific product. Separate calcium and mineral products: Take eltrombopag at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after calcium-rich foods, dairy products, antacids, and supplements containing calcium, iron, magnesium, aluminium, zinc, or other polyvalent cations. These products can reduce absorption. Follow your pharmacist's advice about scheduling. Attend regular blood tests: Your doctor will monitor platelet counts and liver function before and during treatment. The dose may be adjusted according to the results. Tell your doctor about other medicines: Report all prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, and supplements. Some medicines may affect eltrombopag levels or increase treatment risks. Discuss liver disease: Inform your doctor if you have liver problems or a history of blood clots. Additional precautions or dose adjustments may be necessary. Handle missed doses carefully: Follow the patient leaflet or contact your pharmacist for advice. Do not take an extra dose to compensate for a missed tablet. Do not stop treatment independently: Stopping eltrombopag may cause platelet counts to fall again. Your specialist may recommend additional blood tests after treatment ends. Recognise warning signs: Seek urgent medical attention for chest pain, sudden breathlessness, one-sided leg swelling, severe abdominal pain, unusual bleeding, or yellowing of the skin or eyes. Store the medicine safely: Keep the tablets in their original packaging and follow the manufacturer's storage instructions. Keep them away from children.
