Eltrombopag: Cure for ITP Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

What is Eltrombopag? 

Eltrombopag specifically is an oral TPO-R agonist receptor, approved for the treatment of patients with chronic immune (idiopathic) thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), aged 1 year and older who are basically refractory to other treatments (e.g. immunoglobulins, corticosteroids). 
Other eltrombopag uses include severe aplastic anemia (SAA) snd chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection for the treatment of thrombocytopenia. 

How does Eltrombopag work?
Eltrombopag involved in order to increase the production of platelet to maintain haemostatic platelet levels by binding to the transmembrane domain of the TPO receptor. This stimulates the differentiation as well as proliferation of the cells in the megakaryocyte lineage. 

Dosing: The recommended starting eltrombopag dose is 50 mg in most patients. In patients aged 1 to 5 years, the recommended starting dose is 25 mg. It is a once-daily oral therapy, and should be administered at the same time each day. 
The lowest eltrombopag dose required in order to achieve as well as maintain a platelet count ≥50,000/µL should be used.
For paediatric patients aged 1 to 5 years, this medication is also available as a 25 mg sachet of powder for the oral suspension.

Side Effects: Very common eltrombopag side effects may include:

• Common cold
• Feeling sick (nausea)
• Diarrhoea
• Cough
• Back pain
• Upper respiratory tract infection

Eltrombopag is not recommended:
For use in the infants aged less than 1 year. 
During pregnancy and in females of childbearing age not considering contraception. 
In patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura with hepatic impairment (Score of Child-Pugh ≥5) unless the desired benefit outweighs the probable risk of the portal venous thrombosis. 
In those patients who are allergic to eltrombopag 50mg or any of its existing ingredients. 

Interactions with Foods, Drinks and other Medicines:
Eltrombopag may interact with the polyvalent cations in certain medicines, foods, and drinks. This interaction may significantly impair the absorption of the eltrombopag into the body. 
Use of polyvalent cations should be avoided include aluminium, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc and selenium as these may be responsible for reducing the absorption of eltrombopag.

Eltrombopag is recommended to be administered at least a couple of hours before or 4 hours following polyvalent cation containing antacids, dairy products (or any foods, drinks, or medicines containing 50 mg calcium) and certain other products containing polyvalent cations, such as the mineral supplements

Storage: Store eltrombopag tablets at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). The eltrombopag should be kept tightly closed in the bottle given to you.

Cost: The eltrombopag 50 mg price in India may vary depending on the wholesaler or pharmacy and of course the brand you choose.
The eltrombopag cost is around 14,434 INR for a supply of 7 tablets of 50 mg.