Adverse effects while using eltrombopag/eltrombopag

Eltrombopag/ Eltrombopag is an oral tablet or suspension that is taken daily to increase platelet counts in patients with chronic ITP, severe aplastic anemia, or chronic hepatitis C. Nausea, diarrhea, infections, and elevated liver enzymes are some of the more common side effects. Here are some common or important side effects you may experience when using eltrombopag:

1. Causes hepatotoxicity: Eltrombopag can cause hepatotoxicity. Doctors can monitor hepatotoxicity through blood tests to evaluate liver function. Patients should watch for signs of yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark or brown urine, abdominal swelling, or pain, as these may be warning signs of liver toxicity.

2. Diarrhea: Your doctor may recommend medications to reduce diarrhea. In addition, patients can make changes to their daily diet, such as trying to eat low-fiber foods; avoiding raw fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, grains, and seeds; and drinking an average of 8 to 10 glasses of non-alcoholic and caffeine-free water per day to prevent possible dehydration.

3. Platelet count drops after stopping the drug: In clinical trials, some people’s platelet counts after stopping the drug were lower than before taking the drug. This side effect is most likely to occur soon after patients stop taking eltrombopag and may last for about 1 month. A lower than normal platelet count increases the risk of bleeding, so it is important to take precautions and monitor any bruising or bleeding and report it to your primary care physician.

4. Vision changes: may lead to new or more severe cataracts. The doctor may order an examination of the patient's eyes before and during treatment. Symptoms of cataracts include blurred, unclear, or hazy vision, difficulty seeing at night, sensitivity to light, or seeing halos around lights.

5. Blood clot formation: Eltrombopag increases the risk of blood clot formation. Symptoms of increased blood clots include swelling, redness, or pain in the limbs or difficulty breathing. If a patient experiences symptoms of these problems, seek medical attention immediately.

6. Nausea or vomiting: Vomiting after taking eltrombopag can be controlled by changing your diet: limit the intake of fatty, spicy or acidic foods (lemons, tomatoes, oranges, etc.), and make a cup of warm ginger tea to relieve symptoms. If you cannot keep fluids down for more than 12 hours, or if you feel dizzy or dizzy at any time, seek medical attention immediately.

7. Fatigue: Fatigue is a very common health condition during cancer treatment, including treatment with eltrombopag. A feeling of exhaustion may occur that does not usually go away with rest. To reduce feelings of fatigue, add more rest time, as well as schedule gentle exercise, concentration, and important activities throughout the day.

Eltrombopag should be taken on an empty stomach or with a low-calcium meal, and at least two hours before or four hours after taking any medicine or product containing polyvalent cations (such as aluminum, calcium, iron, magnesium, selenium, or zinc). If patients experience any discomfort during use, they should inform their doctor immediately so that the treatment plan can be adjusted in a timely manner.