What are the effects and side effects of Eltrombopag?

Eltrombopag is used to treat thrombocytopenia (low levels of platelets in the blood) in patients with the blood disorder chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). This drug is used after splenectomy (surgery to remove the spleen) and other drugs (such as steroids or immunoglobulins) have not worked well.

For adults with ITP (which may affect more than 1 in 10 people), the most common side effects of eltrombopag are nausea, diarrhea, and abnormal blood levels of certain liver enzymes. The most important serious side effects are liver problems and thromboembolic complications (problems with blood clots). The most common side effects in children with ITP include nose and throat infections, cough, fever, abdominal or mouth and throat pain, toothache, and runny nose.

In adults with severe aplastic anemia, the most common side effects include headache, dizziness, cough, pain in the abdomen or mouth and throat, nausea, diarrhea, joint pain, pain in the extremities, tiredness, fever, and abnormal blood levels of certain liver enzymes.

The most common side effects in patients with thrombocytopenia and advanced chronic hepatitis C who were treated with interferon and eltrombopag included headache, anemia (low red blood cell count), decreased appetite, cough, nausea, diarrhea, increased levels of bilirubin in the blood, hair loss, itching, muscle pain, fever, tiredness, flu-like illness, weakness, chills, and swelling (due to accumulation of fluid in the body). Important serious side effects are liver problems and thromboembolic complications.

Please note that eltrombopag is a prescription drug and should be used rationally under the guidance of a doctor. Patients should undergo regular examinations during use to detect and adjust possible side effects in a timely manner. At the same time, maintaining good living habits and dietary rules can also help reduce the occurrence of adverse reactions.