How should I take eltrombopag?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
You may take eltrombopag in any of the following ways:
- on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating;
- with a meal containing fewer than 50 milligrams of calcium; or
- at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after eating foods high in calcium (dairy products, calcium-fortified juices, certain fruits and vegetables).
Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.
Mix the oral suspension powder only with water. Use a new dosing syringe each time you mix the medicine, to measure the water and to give the correct dose.
You may need frequent medical tests to check your bone marrow cells or liver function. Your eyes may also need to be checked for signs of cataracts.
Eltrombopag doses are based on weight in children younger than 6 years old. Your child's dose needs may change if the child gains or loses weight.
Eltrombopag is usually taken for 6 months. It may take up to 4 weeks before the medicine prevents major bleeding episodes. Keep taking eltrombopag as directed and tell your doctor if you have any bruising or bleeding episodes after 4 weeks of taking eltrombopag.
If you take eltrombopag with medication to treat chronic hepatitis C, tell your doctor if you stop using any of your hepatitis medications.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the tablets in their original container. After mixing eltrombopag oral suspension, store the liquid at room temperature and use it within 30 minutes.
After you stop taking eltrombopag, your risk of bleeding or bruising may be even higher than it was before you started treatment. Be extra careful to avoid cuts or injury for at least 4 weeks after you stop taking eltrombopag. Your blood will need to be tested weekly during this time.