The most common side effects of Eltrombopag in adults when used to treat chronic ITP are: In adult patients with ITP, the most common adverse reactions (greater than or equal to 5% and greater than placebo) were: nausea, diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infection, vomiting, increased ALT, myalgia and urinary tract infection. In pediatric patients age 1 year and older with ITP, the most common adverse reactions (greater than or equal to 10% and greater than placebo) were upper respiratory tract infection and nasopharyngitis.
In patients with chronic hepatitis C-associated thrombocytopenia, the most common adverse reactions (greater than or equal to 10% and greater than placebo) were: anemia, pyrexia, fatigue, headache, nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, influenza-like illness, asthenia, insomnia, cough, pruritus, chills, myalgia, alopecia and peripheral edema. In patients with severe aplastic anemia, the most common adverse reactions (greater than or equal to 20%) were: nausea, fatigue, cough, diarrhea and headache.
Pregnancy Category C. There are no adequate and well controlled studies of Eltrombopag usein pregnancy. In animal reproduction and developmental toxicity studies, there was evidence ofembryolethality and reduced fetal weights at maternally toxic doses. Eltrombopag should beused in pregnancy only if the potential benefit to the mother justifies the potential risk to thefetus.
Nursing Mothers: It is not known whether Eltrombopag is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from Eltrombopag, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue Eltrombopag taking into account the importance of Eltrombopag to the mother.
Hepatotoxicity: Monitor liver function before and during therapy.
Thrombotic or Thromboembolic Complications: Portal vein thrombosis has been reported in patients with chronic liver disease receiving Eltrombopag. Monitor platelet counts regularly.
Pediatric Use:The safety and efficacy of Eltrombopag in pediatric patients 1 year and older with chronic ITP were evaluated in two double-blind, placebo-controlled. The pharmacokinetics of Eltrombopag has been evaluated in 168 pediatric patients 1 year and older with ITP dosed once daily for dosing recommendations for pediatric patients 1 year and older. The safety and efficacy ofEltrombopag in pediatric patients younger than 1 year with ITP have not yet been established. The safety and efficacy of Eltrombopag in pediatric patients with thrombocytopenia associated with chronic hepatitis C and severe aplastic anemia have not been established.
Geriatric Use: Of the 106 patients in two randomized clinical trials of Eltrombopag 50 mg in chronic ITP, 22% were 65 years of age and over, while 9% were 75 years of age and over. In the two randomized clinical trials of Eltrombopag in patients with chronic hepatitis C and thrombocytopenia, 7% were 65 years of age and over, while fewer than 1% were 75 years of age and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these patients and younger patients in the placebo-controlled trials, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.
Hepatic Impairment: Hepatic impairment influences the exposure of Eltrombopag. Reduce the initial dose of Eltrombopag in patients with chronic ITP (adult and pediatric patients 6 years and older only) or severe aplastic anemia who also have hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class A, B, C). No dosage adjustment is necessary for patients with chronic hepatitis C and hepatic impairment.
Renal Impairment: No adjustment in the initial dose of Eltrombopag is needed for patients with renal impairment. Closely monitor patients with impaired renal function when administering Eltrombopag.
In the event of overdose, platelet counts may increase excessively and result in thrombotic/thromboembolic complications.
In one report, a subject who ingested 5,000 mg of Eltrombopag had a platelet count increase to a maximum of 929 x 109/L at 13 days following the ingestion. The patient also experienced rash, bradycardia, ALT/AST elevations and fatigue. The patient was treated with gastric lavage, oral Lactulose, Intravenous fluids, Omeprazole, Atropine, Furosemide, Calcium, Dexamethasone, andPlasmapheresis; however, the abnormal platelet count and liver test abnormalities persisted for 3 weeks. After 2 months follow-up, all events had resolved without sequelae.
In case of an overdose, consider oral administration of a metal cation-containing preparation, such as Calcium, Aluminum, or Magnesium preparations to chelate Eltrombopag and thus limit absorption. Closely monitor platelet counts. Reinitiate treatment with Eltrombopag in accordance with dosing and administration recommendations.
