Frequently asked questions for Eltrombopag
Eltrombopag
Q. Can Eltrombopag be crushed?
Eltrombopag is a medicine which is used to increase the number of platelets in your blood. This medicine should be taken just as advised by the doctor. You should take this medicine as a whole with a glass of water without crushing or chewing it.Q. How do you take Eltrombopag?
Eltrombopag should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. You should take the medicine on an empty stomach either 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating food. Do not alter the dosage or schedule of the medicine unless your prescribing doctor has advised it to do so.Q. How long does Eltrombopag take to work?
Eltrombopag prevents the occurrence of bleeding episodes by increasing the number of platelets in the blood. The time taken by this medicine to start working may vary from person to person. Usually, it takes about 2 weeks for the patients to respond to Eltrombopag.Q. Should I avoid any specific foods while taking Eltrombopag?
Yes, you may need to avoid certain dairy foods such as cheese, butter, etc. and mineral and vitamin supplements while taking this medicine. Avoid taking these foods four hours before and two hours after taking Eltrombopag. If you take these food items or supplements, the medicine may not get absorbed into your body, thereby not acting properly.Q. How should I store Eltrombopag?
This medicine can be stored at room temperature between 20°C to 25°C. Close the bottle tightly and do not remove the desiccant pack if present inside the bottle as it helps to keep the medicine dry.Q. Can Eltrombopag cause serious side effects?
Eltrombopag can cause serious side effects like liver problems. The symptoms of liver disease include yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes, pain in the upper right area of the stomach, unusual darkening of the urine, and unusual tiredness. The risk of liver problems increases if the patient is infected with hepatitis C virus or is being treated for it. Taking this medicine may also increase the platelet count in the blood, increasing the risk of developing blood clots. This in turn increases your risk of getting a heart attack or stroke and may prove fatal in some cases. Ideally, regular blood tests are done to monitor the liver functions and platelet count while taking Eltrombopag. Its use can also worsen cataract, leading to blurring of vision. Consult your doctor immediately if you notice any of the side effects.Q. What should I do if I miss a dose of Eltrombopag?
If you miss a dose of Eltrombopag, you should wait and take your next scheduled dose. Do not take more than one dose of this medicine in a single day. Taking a double dose of this medicine in a single day can increase the risk of side effects.