eltrombopag olamine at a glance
Medicine class
Thrombopoietin-receptor agonist
Main roles
Selected cases of immune thrombocytopenia, hepatitis C-associated thrombocytopenia and severe aplastic anaemia
Food and minerals
Calcium-rich foods, antacids and mineral supplements can markedly reduce absorption
Monitoring
Platelet counts, liver tests and other blood findings require specialist monitoring
What is eltrombopag olamine used for?
Selected UK products are licensed for:
Primary immune thrombocytopenia in adults when other treatments have not worked.
Primary immune thrombocytopenia lasting at least six months in children aged one year and over when other treatments have not worked.
Thrombocytopenia in adults with chronic hepatitis C when it prevents starting or maintaining interferon-based treatment.
Acquired severe aplastic anaemia in certain adults who have not responded to immunosuppressive treatment and are unsuitable for stem-cell transplantation; this use applies to the selected oral-suspension product.
How does eltrombopag olamine work?
Eltrombopag activates signalling through the thrombopoietin receptor in bone-marrow precursor cells. This promotes development of megakaryocytes, which produce platelets.
eltrombopag olamine preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg
How to take eltrombopag olamine
Follow the specialist's instructions and do not alter treatment yourself.
Swallow film-coated tablets with water.
Keep eltrombopag separate from dairy products, calcium-rich foods, antacids and supplements containing iron, calcium, magnesium, aluminium, selenium or zinc.
Prepare the oral suspension only with water and the supplied equipment, then administer it promptly.
Use a new single-use oral syringe when preparing the suspension, rinse the reusable bottle afterwards and wash exposed skin if the mixture touches it.
eltrombopag olamine side effects
Common or expected effects
- Feeling sick or diarrhoea
- Headache, back pain or muscle discomfort
- Cough or upper-respiratory symptoms
- Tiredness
- Raised liver enzymes on blood tests
Get urgent medical advice
- Liver injury, including jaundice or dark urine
- Venous or arterial blood clots
- Bleeding or bruising as platelet counts fall after treatment stops
- Gastrointestinal bleeding, particularly during licensed hepatitis C treatment
eltrombopag olamine in pregnancy
Human information is limited, and eltrombopag is not recommended during pregnancy. Discuss pregnancy, plans for pregnancy or contraception promptly with the specialist prescriber.
eltrombopag olamine while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether eltrombopag enters human breast milk, and a risk to the infant cannot be excluded. A specialist should weigh the benefit of breastfeeding against the need for treatment.
eltrombopag olamine interactions
Check prescribed, over-the-counter and complementary products with the clinical team. Important examples include:
Antacids and mineral supplements
Iron, calcium, magnesium, aluminium, selenium and zinc bind eltrombopag and reduce its absorption, so administration must be separated.
Calcium-rich foods and dairy products
High calcium intake around administration substantially reduces eltrombopag exposure.
Statins
Eltrombopag can increase exposure to rosuvastatin and potentially other statins, requiring monitoring for statin adverse effects.
Common questions about eltrombopag olamine
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is eltrombopag olamine used for?
It supports platelet production in selected people with immune thrombocytopenia or hepatitis C-associated thrombocytopenia. One selected product is also licensed for certain adults with acquired severe aplastic anaemia.
Can I take eltrombopag olamine with dairy food?
Not close to administration. Calcium can markedly reduce absorption, so keep dairy and other calcium-rich foods separated as directed.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.