Indications 

Promacta is a synthetic protein that promotes the production of platelets, which are essential blood-clotting cells, in the body. Eltrombopag, the active ingredient in Promacta, mitigates the risk of bleeding by elevating the platelet count in the blood.  

The medication is indicated for the prevention of bleeding episodes in individuals aged one year and older, who suffer from chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), a bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency of platelets in the bloodstream. Promacta is not a curative treatment for ITP, and its use does not normalize platelet counts in patients with this condition. 

Promacta is administered to adults with chronic hepatitis C receiving interferon therapy (Intron A, Infergen, Pegasys, PegIntron, Rebetron, Redipen, or Sylatron) to prevent bleeding.  

This medication is used concomitantly with other medications to manage severe aplastic anemia in patients aged two years and older. In situations where other treatments have proven ineffective, Promacta may be prescribed.  

Uses and Dosage 

To ensure the safe and effective use of Promacta, strictly adhere to their physician’s instructions. Follow all the directions on the prescription label and read the medication guides or instruction sheets thoroughly. Occasionally, your physician may adjust your dosage. 

Promacta can be taken in three ways: on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after eating; with a meal containing less than 50 milligrams of calcium, or at least two hours before or four hours after consuming foods high in calcium, such as dairy products, calcium-fortified juices, certain fruits, and vegetables. The tablet should be swallowed whole and not crushed, chewed, or broken. 

For children below six years of age, Eltrombopag doses are weight-based, and dosage needs may change if a child gains or loses weight. Promacta is typically taken for six months, and it may take up to four weeks before the medicine prevents major bleeding episodes. Continue to take the medication as directed, and inform your physician if you experience any bruising or bleeding episodes after four weeks of taking Promacta. 

If Promacta is taken with medication to treat chronic hepatitis C, notify your physician if you discontinue any of your hepatitis medications. Store the tablets in their original container at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.  

Following the discontinuation of Promacta, the risk of bleeding or bruising may be greater than before treatment initiation. Be extra cautious to prevent cuts or injury for at least four weeks after stopping the medication, and your blood may require weekly testing during this period. 

Side Effects 

Severe Side Effects

Promacta is a medication that can cause allergic reactions or serious side effects. Seek emergency medical help if you experience: 

• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
  • Hives
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat 
• Signs of a stroke, including:
  • Sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body)
  • Sudden severe headache
  • Slurred speech
  • Problems with vision or balance 
• Signs of a blood clot in different parts of the body, such as: 
  • Stomach: severe pain, vomiting, diarrhea 
  • Lung: chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing up blood 
  • Leg: pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one or both legs 

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience: 

• Any bruising or bleeding episodes during or after treatment with Promacta 
• Vision changes, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights 
• Pain or burning when you urinate 
• Low red blood cells (anemia), which may cause:
  • Pale skin
  • Unusual tiredness
  • Feeling light-headed or short of breath
  • Cold hands and feet 
• Liver problems, which may cause:
  • Confusion
  • Tiredness
  • Stomach pain (upper right side)
  • Stomach swelling
  • Dark urine
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) 

Common Eide Effects 

• Nausea or diarrhea 
• Fever 
• Cough 
• Headache or tiredness 
• Abnormal bone marrow or liver function tests 

To use Promacta safely, follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. 

Caution 

Before initiating treatment with Promacta, inform your physician if you have a history of kidney disease, blood cancer, bone marrow disorder, high platelet levels, liver problems (excluding hepatitis C treatment), a previous history of cataracts or blood clot, have had your spleen removed, or if you are of East Asian descent.  

To ensure optimal absorption of Promacta, take it on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal, and avoid dairy products or calcium-containing products (including fortified fruit juice) for at least 4 hours before or after taking the medication. Taking Promacta with milk is contraindicated. 

If you are receiving treatment with ribavirin and interferon for chronic hepatitis C, concomitant use of Promacta may increase your risk of liver problems. If you experience nausea, upper stomach pain, confusion, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or yellowing of the skin or eyes, contact your doctor immediately. 

After discontinuing Promacta, your risk of bleeding may be higher than before initiating treatment. To prevent injury or cuts, be extra cautious for at least 4 weeks after stopping the medication. Weekly blood tests are recommended during this time to monitor for any changes in blood clotting.