Health Library

Eltrombopag (By mouth)

Eltrombopag (el-TROM-boe-pag)

Treats thrombocytopenia (low platelet levels) and severe aplastic anemia.

Brand Name(s):

Alvaiz, Promacta

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid, Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Take this medicine without a meal or with a meal low in calcium.
• Tablet: Swallow whole. Do not crush, break, chew, or mix it with food or liquids.
• Oral liquid: Mix the powder with cold water only. Take the medicine within 30 minutes after mixing it. If it comes in contact with your skin, wash it right away with soap and water. Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
• Missed dose: If you missed a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take more than 1 dose in a day.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Throw away any unused oral liquid within 30 minutes of mixing it.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some foods and medicines can affect how eltrombopag works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Bosentan, glyburide, imatinib, irinotecan, lapatinib, methotrexate, mitoxantrone, olmesartan, repaglinide, rifampin, sulfasalazine, topotecan, valsartan
  • Blood thinner (including warfarin)
  • Statin medicine to lower cholesterol (including atorvastatin, ezetimibe, fluvastatin, pitavastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin)
• Antacids, multivitamins that contain aluminum, calcium, iron, magnesium, selenium, or zinc, or other products high in calcium (including dairy products, juices, and certain fruits and vegetables) must be taken at least 4 hours before or 2 hours after you take eltrombopag.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment with this medicine and for at least 7 days after the last dose.
• Do not breastfeed during treatment with this medicine.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease (including cirrhosis), bleeding problems, bone marrow problems (including myelodysplastic syndrome), or a history of blood clots or cataracts. Tell your doctor if you had surgery to remove your spleen.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Increased risk for liver problems
  • Increased risk for blood or bone marrow problems, including myelodysplastic syndrome, acute myeloid leukemia
  • Increased risk of blood clots
  • New or worsening cataracts
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Chest pain, trouble breathing, coughing up blood
• Dark urine, pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Eye pain, vision changes, seeing halos around lights
• Numbness or weakness on one side of your body
• Sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking
• Pain in your lower leg

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat
• Diarrhea, decreased appetite
• Headache, toothache

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024