Will Eltrombopag/Eltrombopag cause platelet loss if you stop taking it?

Eltrombopag/ Eltrombopag is a man-made protein used to treat adults with a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) caused by idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (also called ITP). Eltrombopag is a thrombopoietin receptor agonist that stimulates (speeds up) bone marrow cells to produce more platelets.

Eltrombopag is given as a pill or liquid once daily. Patients may take this medication without meals or with foods low in calcium (less than 50 mg total). Check the calcium content on the nutrition label. Take the tablet whole without crushing, chewing or breaking it. Ifpatients are taking the liquid form, they will receive instructions on how to prepare the dose. If a dose is missed, take only the next scheduled dose. Do not take two doses to make up for a missed dose. Before each dose, check that the medicine you are taking matches the prescribed medicine.

In clinical trials, some patients had lower platelet counts after stopping the drug than before taking the drug. This side effect is most likely to occur soon after stopping eltrombopag and may last for about 1 month. Eltrombopag oral tablet is used for long-term treatment. There are serious risks if taken not as directed by your doctor. If you stop taking your medicine suddenly or don't take it at all, your platelet count may decrease. If platelet levels drop dangerously low, bleeding may result. So take precautions and report any bruising or bleeding to your doctor.

Patients of East Asian descent or with liver problems will be started at a lower dose due to the risk of hepatotoxicity. Patientswill have regular laboratory tests to monitor your blood counts and liver function. Eltrombopag should not be used to treat patients with low platelet counts due to conditions other than ITP, hepatitis C, or aplastic anemia. Also not used to treat myelodysplastic syndrome (also called "pre-leukemia").