Indications
Promacta (active ingredient: eltrombopag olamine) is a prescription medication indicated for the following:
- Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP): Promacta is used for the treatment of chronic immune thrombocytopenia in adults and children aged 1 year and older who have had an insufficient response to corticosteroids, immunoglobulins, or splenectomy. ITP is a disorder characterized by low platelet counts, leading to an increased risk of bleeding.
- Severe Aplastic Anemia: It is indicated for the treatment of severe aplastic anemia in patients who have had an insufficient response to immunosuppressive therapy.
- Chronic Hepatitis C-Associated Thrombocytopenia: Promacta is also indicated for the treatment of thrombocytopenia in patients with chronic hepatitis C to allow the initiation and maintenance of interferon-based therapy.
Promacta belongs to a class of drugs known as thrombopoietin receptor agonists, which work by stimulating the production of platelets in the bone marrow, thereby increasing platelet counts in the blood.
Uses and Dosage
To take Promacta tablet orally, follow the instructions given by your doctor, which typically involves taking it once daily. Do not take it with a meal or alongside any products containing magnesium, aluminum, or calcium-rich foods with over 50 milligrams of calcium. Also, ensure you take it at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after consuming such products. Do not split, chew, or crush the tablet, nor mix it with any food or liquid.
The recommended dose of Promacta (eltrombopag olamine) may vary depending on the individual patient and the specific condition being treated.
- The starting dose for most patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is 50 mg once daily, and the dose can be increased by 25 mg per day every 2 weeks based on the patient's platelet count. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 75 mg per day.
- For patients with severe aplastic anemia (SAA), the recommended dose is 150 mg once daily for 6 months. However, consult a healthcare professional for an accurate and personalized dosing recommendation as individual factors must be considered.
- For severe aplastic anemia treatment, the recommended dosage is 150mg once daily for 6 months.
Side Effect
Common Side Effects of Promacta (Eltrombopag Olamine):
- Abnormal liver function tests
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Headache
- Low red blood cell count (anemia)
- Nausea
- Tiredness
Serious Side Effects of Promacta (Eltrombopag Olamine):
- Cataracts
- Hepatic Decompensation in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis
- Hepatotoxicity
- High platelet counts and higher risk for blood clots
- Increased Risk of Death and Progression of Myelodysplastic Syndromes to Acute Myeloid Leukemia
- New or worsened cataracts (a clouding of the lens in the eye)
- Thrombotic/Thromboembolic Complications
Form and Strength
Promacta (Eltrombopag Olamine) is available in the following forms and strength:
Promacta: Tablet
- 25 mg
- 50 mg
Caution
- Promacta may harm an unborn baby and should not be taken during pregnancy unless clearly needed. It is not known if Promacta passes into breast milk, so women should consult their doctor before breastfeeding while taking Promacta.
- The reoccurrence of thrombocytopenia is possible upon discontinuing treatment. In some cases, medications such as Promacta may increase the risk of serious blood cancer and death in patients.
- Take Promacta on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Do not take this medication with milk. Avoid all dairy products or products that contain calcium (including fortified fruit juice) for at least 4 hours before or after you take Promacta.
- This statement warns that the medication PROMACTA can lead to hepatotoxicity, as evidenced by increases in serum aminotransferase levels and bilirubin. Measure liver chemistries before starting treatment and regularly during treatment to monitor liver function.
- If you are suffering from chronic hepatitis C, taking Promacta alongside ribavirin and interferon treatment may enhance the occurrence of liver issues. Tell your physician without delay if you experience any signs of liver problems such as nausea, upper stomach pain, confusion, fatigue, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).
- If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, inform your doctor. Do not get pregnant while using eltrombopag as it may harm the unborn child. While using eltrombopag and for 7 days after stopping treatment, inquire about reliable forms of birth control. If you become pregnant, immediately talk to your doctor about the associated risks and benefits of this medication.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are there any medications that interact with Promacta?
Certain medications may interact with Promacta, including some antibiotics, antifungal drugs, and anticonvulsant medications. Patients should inform their doctor about all medications they are taking before starting Promacta.
How long does it take for Promacta to work?
Promacta may take several weeks to start working for some patients, and the time it takes to see results can vary depending on the individual. Patients should continue to take their medication as prescribed and follow up with their doctor regularly to monitor their response to treatment.
Can Promacta be taken with food or on an empty stomach?
Promacta can be taken with or without food, as directed by the doctor.
Can Promacta be used in patients with liver problems?
Promacta is metabolized in the liver and caution should be used when administering Promacta to patients with liver problems. Patients should discuss any liver problems or concerns with their doctor before taking Promacta.
Is Promacta a cure for thrombocytopenia?
Promacta is not a cure for thrombocytopenia, but rather a treatment option that can help increase the number of platelets in the blood. Patients with thrombocytopenia should continue to work closely with their doctor to manage their condition and monitor their response to treatment.
Resources
- https://www.drugs.com/promacta.html
- https://www.us.promacta.com/
- https://www.hcp.novartis.com/products/promacta/
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2008/022291lbl.pdf
- https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=7714a0ed-34bb-46e6-a0a5-b363908b22c2
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-151608/promacta-oral/details
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