eltrombopag
Eltrombopag Olpha contains eltrombopag, which belongs to a group of medicines called thrombopoietin receptor agonists. The medicine is used to increase the number of platelets in the patient's blood. Platelets are blood cells that help reduce the risk of bleeding or prevent it. Eltrombopag Olpha is used to treat a blood clotting disorder called primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) in patients over 1 year of age who have already been treated with other medicines (corticosteroids or immunoglobulins) and have not responded to them. Primary immune thrombocytopenia is caused by a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia). People with primary immune thrombocytopenia are more prone to bleeding. Symptoms that patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia may notice include petechiae (small, flat, red spots under the skin), purpura, nosebleeds, gum bleeding, and difficulty stopping bleeding in case of injury or trauma. Eltrombopag Olpha may also be used to treat low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) in adults with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection who have had difficulty due to side effects during treatment with interferon. Many people with hepatitis C have a low platelet count, not only due to the disease but also as a result of the action of certain antiviral drugs used to treat it. Taking Eltrombopag Olpha may help patients complete full treatment with antiviral drugs (peginterferon and ribavirin).
Before starting treatment with Eltrombopag Olpha, the doctor should be consulted:
The doctor should be informed if any of the above situations apply to the patient.
The doctor will recommend an eye examination to detect cataracts. If the patient does not undergo regular eye examinations, the doctor should recommend regular examinations. The occurrence of any bleeding in the retina (the layer of light-sensitive cells at the back of the eye) or near it may also be examined.
Before starting treatment with Eltrombopag Olpha, the doctor will perform blood tests to assess blood cells, including platelets. During treatment with the medicine, these tests will be repeated at regular intervals.
Taking eltrombopag may cause changes in blood test results indicating liver damage - increased activity of certain liver enzymes, in particular alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, and increased bilirubin. If the patient is taking interferon-based treatment with Eltrombopag Olpha for low platelet count associated with hepatitis C, some liver diseases may worsen. Blood tests to assess liver function will be performed in the patient before starting treatment with Eltrombopag Olpha and at regular intervals during treatment. It may be necessary to stop taking Eltrombopag Olpha if the levels of these substances increase too much or if other symptoms of liver damage occur. See "Liver disorders" in section 4 of this leaflet.
If the patient stops taking Eltrombopag Olpha, there is a likelihood of a decrease in platelet count within a few days. The platelet count will be monitored, and the doctor will discuss appropriate precautions with the patient. A very high platelet count may increase the risk of blood clots. However, blood clots can also occur when the platelet count is normal or too low. The doctor will adjust the dose of Eltrombopag Olpha for the patient to prevent excessive increase in platelet count. Immediate medical attention should be sought if the patient experiences any of the following symptoms of a blood clot:
In patients with bone marrow disorders, medicines like Eltrombopag Olpha may worsen these disorders. Changes in the bone marrow may be indicated by abnormal blood test results. The doctor may order direct bone marrow tests during treatment with Eltrombopag Olpha.
If the patient is taking interferon-based treatment with Eltrombopag Olpha, they will be monitored for symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding after completion of treatment with this medicine.
The doctor may consider it necessary to examine the patient's heart during treatment with Eltrombopag Olpha and perform an electrocardiogram (ECG).
There is limited data on the use of eltrombopag in patients aged 65 and older. Caution should be exercised when taking Eltrombopag Olpha in patients aged 65 and older.
Eltrombopag is not recommended in children under 1 year of age with primary immune thrombocytopenia. The medicine is also not recommended in patients under 18 years of age with low platelet count associated with hepatitis C virus infection.
The doctor or pharmacist should be told about all medicines the patient is taking, has recently taken, or plans to take, including those obtained without a prescription and vitamins. Some commonly used medicines interact with eltrombopag - including prescription and non-prescription medicines and mineral supplements. These include:
The doctor should be consulted if the patient is taking any of the above medicines. Some of them should not be taken while taking Eltrombopag Olpha, while others may require dose adjustment or appropriate timing of administration. The doctor will review the patient's medicines and recommend changes if necessary. If the patient is taking medicines to prevent blood clots, there is an increased risk of bleeding. The doctor will discuss this with the patient. If the patient is taking corticosteroids, danazol, and/or azathioprine, the doses of these medicines may be reduced or their use stopped during concurrent use of Eltrombopag Olpha.
Eltrombopag Olpha should not be taken with dairy products or drinks, as the calcium in dairy products affects the absorption of the medicine. See "When to take Eltrombopag Olpha" in section 3 for more information.
Eltrombopag Olpha should not be taken during pregnancy unless the doctor recommends it. The effect of eltrombopag during pregnancy is unknown.
Eltrombopag Olpha may cause dizziness and other side effects that reduce concentration. The patient should not drive or operate machinery unless they are sure that these symptoms do not occur.
If the patient has previously been diagnosed with intolerance to some sugars, they should contact their doctor before taking the medicine. This medicine contains less than 1 mmol (23 mg) of sodium per film-coated tablet, which means it is essentially "sodium-free".
This medicine should always be taken as directed by the doctor. In case of doubts, the doctor or pharmacist should be consulted. The dose or dosing schedule of Eltrombopag Olpha should not be changed unless the doctor or pharmacist recommends it. While taking Eltrombopag Olpha, the patient will remain under the care of a doctor experienced in treating the patient's condition.
In the case of primary immune thrombocytopenia
In the case of hepatitis C
The onset of action of Eltrombopag Olpha may occur within 1 to 2 weeks. Depending on the patient's response to treatment with Eltrombopag Olpha, the doctor may recommend a change in the daily dose.
The tablets should be swallowed whole with water. When to take the medicine The patient should make sure that -
The doctor or pharmacist should be consulted for more information about the appropriate foods and drinks.
The doctor or pharmacist should be contacted immediately. If possible, they should be shown the medicine packaging or this leaflet. The patient's condition will be monitored for any side effects and appropriate treatment will be given promptly.
The next dose should be taken at the usual time. No more than one dose of Eltrombopag Olpha should be taken per day.
Treatment with Eltrombopag Olpha should not be stopped without consulting the doctor. If the doctor recommends stopping treatment, the patient's platelet count will be monitored weekly for four weeks. See also "Bleeding or bruising after stopping treatment" in section 4. If the patient has any further doubts about taking this medicine, they should consult their doctor or pharmacist.
Like all medicines, Eltrombopag Olpha can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Symptoms to watch out for: the doctor should be consulted
In patients taking eltrombopag for primary immune thrombocytopenia or low platelet count associated with hepatitis C, symptoms of severe side effects may occur. It is essential to inform the doctor about these symptoms. Increased risk of blood clots
In some patients, the risk of blood clots may increase, and medicines like Eltrombopag Olpha may worsen this condition. Sudden blockage of a blood vessel by a blood clot is an uncommon side effect and may affect up to 1 in 100 patients. Immediate medical attention should be sought if the patient experiences any symptoms of a blood clot, such as:
Liver disorders
Eltrombopag Olpha may cause changes in blood test results indicating liver damage. Liver disorders (increased enzyme activity in blood test results) are common and may affect up to 1 in 10 patients. Other liver problems are uncommon and may affect up to 1 in 100 patients. If any of the following symptoms of liver disorders occur:
the doctor should be consulted immediately.
Bleeding or bruising after stopping treatment
Usually, within two weeks of stopping Eltrombopag Olpha, the patient's platelet count decreases to pre-treatment levels. A low platelet count may increase the risk of bleeding or bruising. The doctor will monitor the patient's platelet count for at least 4 weeks after stopping Eltrombopag Olpha. The doctor should be informed if the patient experiences bruising or bleeding after stopping treatment. In some patients, gastrointestinal bleeding may occur after stopping peginterferon, ribavirin, and eltrombopag. Symptoms include:
If these side effects worsen, the doctor, pharmacist, or nurse should be told.
Very common side effects(may affect more than 1 in 10 patients):
Very common side effectsthat may be seen in blood tests:
Common side effects(may affect up to 1 in 10 patients):
Common side effectsthat may be seen in blood tests:
Uncommon side effects(may affect up to 1 in 100 patients):
Uncommon side effectsthat may be seen in laboratory tests:
If these side effects worsen, the doctor, pharmacist, or nurse should be told.
Very common side effects(may affect more than 1 in 10 children):
Common side effects(may affect up to 1 in 10 children):
Very common side effects(may affect more than 1 in 10 patients):
Very common side effectsthat may be seen in blood tests:
Common side effects(may affect up to 1 in 10 patients):
Common side effectsthat may be seen in blood tests:
Uncommon side effects(may affect up to 1 in 100 patients):
If side effects occur, including any not listed in this leaflet, the doctor, pharmacist, or nurse should be told. Side effects can be reported directly to the Department of Drug Safety Monitoring of the Office for Registration of Medicinal Products, Medical Devices, and Biocidal Products: Al. Jerozolimskie 181C, 02-222 Warsaw, Tel.: +48 22 49 21 301; fax: +48 22 49 21 309; website: https://smz.ezdrowie.gov.pl. Side effects can also be reported to the marketing authorization holder. By reporting side effects, more information can be collected on the safety of the medicine.
The medicine should be stored out of sight and reach of children. This medicine should not be taken after the expiry date stated on the carton and blister after "EXP". The expiry date refers to the last day of the month. No special precautions. Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. The pharmacist should be asked how to dispose of medicines that are no longer needed. This will help protect the environment.
The active substance is eltrombopag olamine.
Eltrombopag Olpha, 12.5 mg, film-coated tablets
Each film-coated tablet contains eltrombopag olamine equivalent to 12.5 mg of eltrombopag.
Eltrombopag Olpha, 25 mg, film-coated tablets
Each film-coated tablet contains eltrombopag olamine equivalent to 25 mg of eltrombopag.
Eltrombopag Olpha, 50 mg, film-coated tablets
Each film-coated tablet contains eltrombopag olamine equivalent to 50 mg of eltrombopag.
Eltrombopag Olpha, 75 mg, film-coated tablets
Each film-coated tablet contains eltrombopag olamine equivalent to 75 mg of eltrombopag.
The other ingredients are:
Tablet core: microcrystalline cellulose, mannitol, povidone, isomalt (E 953), calcium silicate, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, magnesium stearate.
Tablet coating:
Eltrombopag Olpha, 12.5 mg, film-coated tablets:hypromellose, titanium dioxide (E 171), iron oxide red (E 172), iron oxide yellow (E 172), triacetin.
Eltrombopag Olpha, 25 mg, film-coated tablets:hypromellose, titanium dioxide (E 171), iron oxide red (E 172), iron oxide yellow (E 172), triacetin.
Eltrombopag Olpha, 50 mg, film-coated tablets:hypromellose, titanium dioxide (E 171), iron oxide red (E 172), iron oxide yellow (E 172), triacetin.
Eltrombopag Olpha, 75 mg, film-coated tablets:hypromellose, titanium dioxide (E 171), iron oxide red (E 172), triacetin.
Eltrombopag Olpha, 12.5 mg, film-coated tablets
Orange to brown, round, biconvex film-coated tablets with "I" engraved on one side and a diameter of about 5.5 mm.
Eltrombopag Olpha, 25 mg, film-coated tablets
Dark pink, round, biconvex film-coated tablets with "II" engraved on one side and a diameter of about 8 mm.
Eltrombopag Olpha, 50 mg, film-coated tablets
Pink, round, biconvex film-coated tablets with "III" engraved on one side and a diameter of about 10 mm.
Eltrombopag Olpha, 75 mg, film-coated tablets
Red to brown, round, biconvex film-coated tablets with "IV" engraved on one side and a diameter of about 12 mm.
Blisters of OPA/Aluminum/PVC/Aluminum foil packaged in a cardboard box containing 10, 14, 28, 30, or 84 film-coated tablets, and single-dose blisters packaged in a cardboard box containing 10x1, 14x1, 28x1, 30x1, or 84x1 film-coated tablets. Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
Olpha AS,
Rupnicu iela 5,
Olaine, Olaines novads, LV-2114,
Latvia
Email: olpha.poland.pv@insuvia.com
Synthon B.V.
Microweg 22
6545 CM Nijmegen
Netherlands
Synthon Hispania S.L.
c/ Castelló, 1
08830 Sant Boi de Llobregat
Barcelona
Spain
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