Eltrombopag

This information from Lexicomp^® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.

Brand Names: US

Alvaiz; Promacta

Brand Names: Canada

APO-Eltrombopag; Revolade

What is this drug used for?

• It is used to raise platelet counts.
• It is used to treat immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).
• It is used to treat aplastic anemia.

What do I need to tell the doctor BEFORE my child takes this drug?

• If your child is allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell the doctor about the allergy and what signs your child had.
• If your child has a low platelet count caused by some other health problems.

If your child is breast-feeding a baby:

• Be sure your child does not breast-feed a baby while taking this drug.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.

Tell the doctor and pharmacist about all of your child’s drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe to give this drug with all of your child’s other drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug your child takes without checking with the doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while my child takes this drug?

• Tell all of your child’s health care providers that your child is taking this drug. This includes your child’s doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• Do not stop giving this drug to your child without calling the doctor. Your child may have a greater risk of very low platelets and bleeding. If your child needs to stop this drug, talk with the doctor.
• This drug may make cataracts worse or may raise the chance of new cataracts. Talk with the doctor.
• Get your child an eye exam as you have been told by the doctor.
• If your child is of East- or Southeast Asian descent, talk with the doctor. Your child may need a lower starting dose of this drug.
• Blood clots have happened with this drug. Sometimes, blood clots like heart attack and stroke have been deadly. Talk with the doctor.
• Use care to prevent your child from getting hurt and have your child avoid falls or crashes.
• This drug is not for use in people with a certain bone marrow problem called myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). If your child has MDS and takes this drug, MDS may get worse and turn into a type of blood cancer called acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). If MDS turns into AML, your child could die sooner from AML. If your child has MDS, talk with your child’s doctor.

If your child is or may be sexually active:

• This drug may cause harm to the unborn baby if your child takes it during pregnancy.
• Have your child use birth control while taking this drug and for some time after the last dose. Ask the doctor how long your child must use birth control. If your child becomes pregnant, call the doctor right away.

What are some side effects that I need to call my child’s doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your child’s doctor or get medical help right away if your child has any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI) like blood in the urine, burning or pain when passing urine, feeling the need to pass urine often or right away, fever, lower stomach pain, or pelvic pain.
• Weakness on 1 side of the body, trouble speaking or thinking, change in balance, drooping on one side of the face, or blurred eyesight.
• Change in eyesight, eye pain, or severe eye irritation.
• Any bruising or bleeding while you take and after you stop taking this drug.
• Feeling confused.
• Swelling of belly.
• Swelling in the arms or legs.
• Fever or chills.
• Call the doctor right away if your child has signs of a blood clot like chest pain or pressure; coughing up blood; shortness of breath; swelling, warmth, numbness, change of color, or pain in a leg or arm; or trouble speaking or swallowing.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your child’s doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother your child or do not go away:

• Headache.
• Diarrhea, stomach pain, upset stomach, or throwing up.
• Feeling dizzy, tired, or weak.
• Cough.
• Muscle or joint pain.
• Signs of a common cold.
• Muscle spasm.
• Nose or throat irritation.
• Mouth pain.
• Tooth pain.
• Change in color of skin.
• Pain in arms or legs.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your child’s doctor. Call your child’s doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to your national health agency.

How is this drug best given?

Give this drug as ordered by your child’s doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

All products:

• Give this drug without a meal or with a meal low in calcium.
• If your child takes certain other drugs, this drug may need to be given at a different time. Give this drug at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after any foods or drinks high in calcium; antacids; or products that have calcium, iron, aluminum, magnesium, selenium, or zinc. Foods or drinks high in calcium include dairy products and some fruits, vegetables, and juices.

Tablets:

• Have your child swallow whole. Do not let your child chew, break, or crush.
• Do not mix with food or drinks.

Powder for suspension:

• Before using, be sure you know how to mix and measure the dose of this drug. Talk with the doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
• This drug comes with oral dosing syringes. Each syringe is for one use only. Throw syringe away after use. Do not use the same syringe more than one time.
• Mix powder with water only as you have been told.
• Do not use hot water to mix this drug.
• Give your child the dose within 30 minutes after mixing. Throw away any part not used within 30 minutes of mixing.

What do I do if my child misses a dose?

• Skip the missed dose and go back to your child’s normal time.
• Do not give 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• Store in the original container at room temperature.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

General drug facts

• If your child’s symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your child’s doctor.
• Do not share your child’s drug with others and do not give anyone else’s drug to your child.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your child’s doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.

Last Reviewed Date

2023-12-20

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