Eltrombopag/Eltrombopag ethanolamine tablets usage and dosage

Patients receiving Eltrombopag should have their platelet counts monitored weekly until the count exceeds 50,000/μL, and then monthly thereafter. Platelet counts must be measured at least four weeks after stopping the drug. Daily doses of oral eltrombopag are 25, 50, or 75 mg. The recommended starting dose for adults and children over 6 years of age is 50 mg. It must be taken on an empty stomach as food affects absorption and the presence of calcium or iron can inactivate the drug. Therefore, ideal advice is not to eat for 2 hours before and after taking eltrombopag. However, dairy products, broccoli, and other foods rich in calcium or iron should especially be avoided before or after eltrombopag.

Patients with ITP of Southeast Asian ancestry may require lower starting doses. Children 1-6 years old should start with a lower dose, 25 mg per day. After two weeks, if the platelet count has not reached at least 50,000 μL and the timing and manner of taking eltrombopag has been reviewed by a hematologist, the dose may be increased by 25 mg per day (no more than once every 2 weeks), to a maximum daily dose of 75 mg per day. If the platelet count is between 200,000 μL and 400,000 μL two weeks after starting eltrombopag, it is recommended to cut the dose in half or reduce it by 25 mg/day. If the platelet count does not increase to at least 50,000 μL at the maximum dose after one month, the dose should be reduced and eltrombopag discontinued.

If a patient takes40 mg daily to achieve a platelet count of 20-40,000 μL and is unable to achieve this level with another acceptable treatment, treatment may be continued after discussion with thephysician. If the platelet count reaches more than 400,000 μL, eltrombopag should be temporarily stopped for one week, or the daily dose should be reduced by 25 mg. Once the dose is changed, no further changes should be made for at least 2 weeks until a new equilibrium is reached.