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Eltrombopag Olamine: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Established / FDA-approved uses Chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP): Eltrombopag Olamine is indicated for the treatment of thrombocytopenia in adult and pediatric patients (1 year of age and…

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About Eltrombopag Olamine

Indications of Eltrombopag Olamine

Established / FDA-approved uses

  • Chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP): Eltrombopag Olamine is indicated for the treatment of thrombocytopenia in adult and pediatric patients (1 year of age and older) with chronic ITP who have had an insufficient response to corticosteroids, immunoglobulins, or splenectomy.
  • Severe aplastic anemia (SAA): Eltrombopag Olamine is indicated, in combination with standard immunosuppressive therapy, for the first-line treatment of severe aplastic anemia in adult and pediatric patients 2 years and older, and alone for the treatment of patients with severe aplastic anemia who have had an insufficient response to prior immunosuppressive therapy or are heavily pretreated.
  • Chronic hepatitis C-associated thrombocytopenia: Eltrombopag Olamine is indicated in combination with interferon-based antiviral therapy to treat thrombocytopenia in patients with chronic hepatitis C, to allow initiation and maintenance of interferon-based therapy. This is a combination-therapy indication; Eltrombopag Olamine is not used alone for this purpose.

Important limitation

Eltrombopag Olamine should be used only in patients whose degree of thrombocytopenia and clinical condition increase the risk of bleeding. It is not indicated to normalize platelet counts.

Dosage & Administration of Eltrombopag Olamine

Chronic ITP

PopulationStarting doseNotes
Adults (non-East Asian)50 mg once dailyAdjust based on platelet count response, up to a maximum of 75 mg/day
Adults of East/Southeast Asian ancestry25 mg once dailyLower starting dose due to higher exposure in this population
Patients with mild-to-moderate hepatic impairment25 mg once dailyUse lower starting dose; monitor closely
Pediatric patients 6–17 years50 mg once daily (25 mg if East Asian ancestry or hepatic impairment)Adjust by platelet response
Pediatric patients 1–5 years25 mg once dailyAdjust by platelet response

Dose is titrated in increments to achieve and maintain a platelet count of ≥50 x 10⁹/L as needed to reduce bleeding risk; do not exceed 75 mg/day.

Severe aplastic anemia

Starting dose is 50 mg once daily (25 mg once daily in patients of East/Southeast Asian ancestry or with hepatic impairment), titrated every 2 weeks in increments up to a maximum of 150 mg/day based on platelet response, when used in combination with immunosuppressive therapy or as monotherapy.

Chronic hepatitis C-associated thrombocytopenia

Starting dose is 25 mg once daily, titrated in increments to the lowest dose required to achieve a platelet count that allows initiation of interferon-based therapy, up to a maximum of 100 mg/day. Given together with interferon-based antiviral therapy.

Administration instructions

  • Take once daily, at least 4 hours before or after any polyvalent cation-containing products (antacids, dairy products, calcium-fortified juices, mineral/vitamin supplements containing iron, calcium, magnesium, aluminum, selenium, or zinc).
  • Not recommended to be taken with a high-fat meal, which reduces absorption; a low-fat/low-calcium meal is preferred if taken with food.
  • Do not crush tablets to mix with liquid for administration unless a specific formulation (oral suspension) is used as directed by a physician.

Side Effects of Eltrombopag Olamine

Common side effects

  • Headache
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Upper respiratory tract infection
  • Muscle aches (myalgia) and pain in extremities
  • Elevated liver enzymes (ALT, AST, bilirubin)

Serious side effects

  • Hepatotoxicity: Eltrombopag Olamine can cause serious, sometimes fatal, liver injury; requires baseline and periodic liver function testing (see Precautions and Warnings).
  • Thrombotic/thromboembolic events: increased risk of blood clots, including portal vein thrombosis, especially in patients with chronic liver disease.
  • Cataracts: reported with long-term use, particularly in patients with severe aplastic anemia; periodic eye examinations are recommended.
  • New malignancies and worsening of pre-existing malignancies have been reported, particularly in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome.
  • Bone marrow reticulin fibrosis with long-term use.

Contraindications of Eltrombopag Olamine

Eltrombopag Olamine is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to eltrombopag or any component of the formulation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Eltrombopag Olamine

What is Eltrombopag Olamine used for?

Eltrombopag Olamine is used to increase platelet counts in patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) who have not responded well to other treatments, in severe aplastic anemia (often combined with immunosuppressive therapy), and in chronic hepatitis C-associated thrombocytopenia to allow interferon-based antiviral therapy to be given.

How should I take Eltrombopag Olamine?

Take Eltrombopag Olamine once daily by mouth, at least 4 hours apart from antacids, dairy products, or mineral supplements containing calcium, iron, magnesium, aluminum, selenium, or zinc, since these substantially reduce absorption. Avoid taking it with a high-fat meal. Always follow your physician's prescribed dose and schedule.

What are the serious risks of Eltrombopag Olamine?

Eltrombopag Olamine carries risks of serious liver injury (hepatotoxicity), so your doctor will check liver function tests before and regularly during treatment. It can also increase the risk of blood clots (thrombosis), and with long-term use may cause cataracts or bone marrow changes. Report any yellowing of the skin/eyes, unusual bleeding or clotting symptoms, or vision changes promptly.

Can Eltrombopag Olamine be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Eltrombopag Olamine should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed, since data in pregnant women are limited and animal studies suggest possible risk to the fetus. It is not known if Eltrombopag Olamine passes into breast milk, so a physician should be consulted to weigh the benefits and risks before breastfeeding while taking this medicine.

What should I avoid while taking Eltrombopag Olamine?

Avoid taking antacids, calcium-fortified foods/juices, dairy products, or mineral supplements within 4 hours of your Eltrombopag Olamine dose, as they reduce its absorption. Also inform your doctor about all medicines you take, including statins and HIV medicines, since Eltrombopag Olamine can interact with them.

What happens if I miss a dose or take too much Eltrombopag Olamine?

If you miss a dose of Eltrombopag Olamine, take it as soon as you remember unless it is close to your next dose; do not double the dose. If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention, as excessive doses can raise platelet counts too high (increasing clot risk) and increase strain on the liver.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

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