Promacta contains the active ingredient eltrombopag. It is a prescription medication used to increase blood cell production in people with certain blood disorders.
Promacta is mainly used when the body does not have enough platelets. Platelets are small blood cells that help form clots and stop bleeding after an injury.
When your platelet count is very low, you may experience easy bruising, frequent nosebleeds, bleeding gums, small red or purple spots under the skin, or bleeding that takes longer than usual to stop. A severely low platelet count may also increase the risk of serious internal bleeding.
Persistent or chronic immune thrombocytopenia
Promacta may be prescribed to adults and children aged 1 year and older with persistent or chronic immune thrombocytopenia, also called ITP.
ITP is an immune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys platelets. The body may also have difficulty producing enough new platelets to replace those that are lost.
Promacta is generally considered when other ITP treatments have not worked well enough. These treatments may include corticosteroids, immunoglobulins, or surgery to remove the spleen.
Promacta should generally be used only when the low platelet count and the patient’s overall condition create an increased risk of bleeding. The goal is to raise the platelet count to a safer level—not necessarily to bring it completely into the normal range.
How Promacta may help with ITP
By encouraging the bone marrow to produce more platelets, Promacta may reduce the risk of bleeding and make everyday activities safer.
As the platelet count improves, your healthcare provider may also be able to reduce or stop certain other ITP treatments. However, this should only be done under medical supervision.
Promacta does not cure ITP. Platelet counts may decrease again after treatment is stopped, so regular blood tests are needed during treatment and for a period after discontinuation.
Severe aplastic anemia
Promacta may also be used to treat severe aplastic anemia, a serious condition in which the bone marrow does not produce enough blood cells.
The bone marrow is the soft tissue inside certain bones where red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets are produced. In severe aplastic anemia, the bone marrow may not make enough of any of these cell types.
Low red blood cell levels can cause tiredness, weakness, dizziness, or shortness of breath. Low white blood cell levels can increase the risk of infections. Low platelet levels can increase bruising and bleeding.
Promacta may be used in two main ways for severe aplastic anemia:
- With standard immunosuppressive medicines as part of initial treatment in certain adults and children aged 2 years and older
- For patients aged 2 years and older whose severe aplastic anemia has not improved enough after immunosuppressive treatment
In some patients, Promacta may stimulate the bone marrow to produce more than just platelets. It may also help increase red and white blood cell counts.
Chronic hepatitis C and low platelet counts
Promacta may be prescribed to certain people with chronic hepatitis C who have platelet counts that are too low to begin or continue interferon-based antiviral treatment.
Interferon therapy can lower platelet counts further. Promacta may increase the platelet count enough to allow treatment to begin or continue.
Interferon-based treatment is now used less frequently because newer antiviral medicines are available. However, this remains an approved use in selected patients whose low platelet count prevents or limits interferon-based therapy.
How Promacta works
Promacta belongs to a group of medications called thrombopoietin receptor agonists.
Thrombopoietin is a natural hormone that helps control platelet production. It sends signals to immature cells in the bone marrow, encouraging them to develop into cells called megakaryocytes. Megakaryocytes then release platelets into the bloodstream.
Promacta attaches to and activates the thrombopoietin receptor. This stimulates the bone marrow to produce more platelets.
Promacta does not replace platelets directly. Instead, it encourages your body to make more of its own platelets over time.
What results can you expect?
Platelet counts may begin to increase within one to two weeks after starting Promacta, although the response varies between patients.
You will not usually feel the platelet count increasing. Blood tests are required to determine whether the medication is working and whether the dose needs to be changed.
Your healthcare provider will aim for a platelet count that reduces your risk of bleeding. Raising the count too high can increase the risk of blood clots, so the dose must be adjusted carefully.
Regular monitoring during treatment
Regular blood tests are an essential part of Promacta treatment. Your healthcare provider may monitor:
- Your platelet count
- Red and white blood cell levels
- Liver function
- Signs of abnormal blood cell changes
- Your response to treatment
- Possible signs of blood clots
Blood tests may be performed frequently when treatment begins or when the dose changes. Once your blood counts become stable, testing may be needed less often.
Important limitations
Promacta is not intended to make platelet counts completely normal. It should be used to reach and maintain the lowest platelet count needed to reduce the risk of bleeding.
Promacta is also not approved to treat myelodysplastic syndromes. In patients with these disorders, treatment may be associated with serious risks.
Take Promacta exactly as prescribed and attend all scheduled blood tests and follow-up appointments. Contact your healthcare provider promptly if you develop unusual bleeding, severe bruising, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, severe abdominal pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, or pain and swelling in one leg.
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