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 bleeding 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 number of platelets (thrombocytopenia). People with primary immune thrombocytopenia are more likely to bleed. 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 antiviral treatment (peginterferon and ribavirin).
Before starting treatment with Eltrombopag Olpha, the patient should discuss the following with their doctor:
The patient should tell their doctor if any of the above situations apply to them.
The doctor will recommend an eye examination to detect cataracts. If the patient does not have regular eye examinations, the doctor should recommend regular examinations. The occurrence of any bleeding in the retina (the light-sensitive layer 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 the patient's 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 that indicate liver damage - increased activity of certain liver enzymes, particularly 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. Before starting treatment with Eltrombopag Olpha and at regular intervals during treatment, the patient will undergo blood tests to assess liver function. It may be necessary to stop taking Eltrombopag Olpha if the levels of these substances increase too much or if other signs of liver damage occur. The patient should read the information in section 4 of this leaflet "Liver disorders".
If the patient stops taking Eltrombopag Olpha, there is a risk that the platelet count will decrease again 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 can 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 to prevent the platelet count from becoming too high. The patient should seek immediate medical attention if they experience 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 signs of gastrointestinal bleeding after finishing treatment with this medicine. Symptoms include:
The doctor may decide to perform a heart test on the patient 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 patient should tell their doctor or pharmacist about all medicines they are taking, have recently taken, or might 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 patient should consult their doctor if they are taking any of the above medicines. Some of them should not be taken while taking Eltrombopag Olpha, while others may require a 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. For more information, see "When to take Eltrombopag Olpha" in section 3.
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 coated tablet, which means it is essentially "sodium-free".
This medicine should always be taken exactly as the doctor has told the patient. If the patient is unsure, they should ask their doctor or pharmacist. The patient should not change the dose or dosing schedule of Eltrombopag Olpha unless their doctor or pharmacist tells them to. 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 effect 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 patient should ask their doctor for more information about the foods and drinks to avoid.
The patient should contact their doctor or pharmacist immediately. If possible, they should show them the medicine packaging or this leaflet. The patient's condition will be monitored for any side effects and appropriate treatment will be given as soon as possible.
The patient should take the next dose at the usual time. The patient should not take more than one dose of Eltrombopag Olpha per day.
The patient should not stop taking Eltrombopag Olpha without consulting their 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 questions about taking this medicine, they should ask their doctor or pharmacist.
Like all medicines, Eltrombopag Olpha can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Symptoms to look out for: the patient should see a doctor. In patients taking eltrombopag for primary immune thrombocytopenia or low platelet count associated with hepatitis C, severe side effects may occur. It is essential to inform the doctor about these symptoms. Increased risk of blood clotsSome patients may have an increased risk of blood clots, and medicines like Eltrombopag Olpha may worsen this. Sudden blockage of a blood vessel by a blood clot is an uncommon side effect that may affect up to 1 in 100 patients. The patient should seek immediate medical attention if they experience any symptoms of a blood clot, such as:
Liver disordersEltrombopag Olpha may cause changes in blood test results that indicate 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 the patient experiences any of the following symptoms of liver disorders:
the patient should see a doctor immediately.
Bleeding or bruising after stopping treatmentUsually, within two weeks of stopping Eltrombopag Olpha, the patient's platelet count returns to the level before starting treatment with Eltrombopag Olpha. A low platelet count can 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 patient should tell their doctor if they experience any bruising or bleeding after stopping treatment with this medicine. In some patients, gastrointestinal bleeding may occur after stopping peginterferon, ribavirin, and eltrombopag. Symptoms include:
The patient should tell their doctor immediately if they experience any of these symptoms.
If these side effects worsen, the patient should tell their doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. Very common side effects(may affect more than 1 in 10 people):
Very common side effectsthat may be seen in blood tests:
Common side effects(may affect up to 1 in 10 people):
Common side effectsthat may be seen in blood tests:
Uncommon side effects(may affect up to 1 in 100 people):
Uncommon side effectsthat may be seen in blood tests:
If these side effects worsen, the patient should tell their doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. 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 the patient experiences any side effects, including any not listed in this leaflet, they should tell their doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. 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 gathered on the safety of this medicine.
The medicine should be stored out of sight and reach of children. The patient should not take this medicine 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 patient should ask their pharmacist how to dispose of medicines they no longer use. This will help protect the environment.
The active substance is eltrombopag olamine. Eltrombopag Olpha, 12.5 mg, coated tabletsEach coated tablet contains eltrombopag olamine equivalent to 12.5 mg of eltrombopag. Eltrombopag Olpha, 25 mg, coated tabletsEach coated tablet contains eltrombopag olamine equivalent to 25 mg of eltrombopag. Eltrombopag Olpha, 50 mg, coated tabletsEach coated tablet contains eltrombopag olamine equivalent to 50 mg of eltrombopag. Eltrombopag Olpha, 75 mg, coated tabletsEach 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 starch glycolate, magnesium stearate. Tablet coating: Eltrombopag Olpha, 12.5 mg, coated tablets:hypromellose, titanium dioxide (E 171), iron oxide red (E 172), iron oxide yellow (E 172), triacetin. Eltrombopag Olpha, 25 mg, coated tablets:hypromellose, titanium dioxide (E 171), iron oxide red (E 172), iron oxide yellow (E 172), triacetin. Eltrombopag Olpha, 50 mg, coated tablets:hypromellose, titanium dioxide (E 171), iron oxide red (E 172), iron oxide yellow (E 172), triacetin. Eltrombopag Olpha, 75 mg, coated tablets:hypromellose, titanium dioxide (E 171), iron oxide red (E 172), triacetin.
Eltrombopag Olpha, 12.5 mg, coated tabletsOrange to brown, round, biconvex coated tablets with "I" embossed on one side and a diameter of about 5.5 mm. Eltrombopag Olpha, 25 mg, coated tabletsDark pink, round, biconvex coated tablets with "II" embossed on one side and a diameter of about 8 mm. Eltrombopag Olpha, 50 mg, coated tabletsPink, round, biconvex coated tablets with "III" embossed on one side and a diameter of about 10 mm. Eltrombopag Olpha, 75 mg, coated tabletsRed to brown, round, biconvex coated tablets with "IV" embossed on one side and a diameter of about 12 mm. Blisters made of OPA/Aluminum/PVC/Aluminum foil packaged in a cardboard box containing 10, 14, 28, 30, or 84 coated tablets, and single-dose blisters packaged in a cardboard box containing 10x1, 14x1, 28x1, 30x1, or 84x1 coated tablets. Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
Olpha AS, Rupnicu iela 5, Olaine, Olaines novads, LV-2114, Latvia E-mail: 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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