Avatrombopag
Indications
Avatrombopag is used to raise a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia). Platelets are blood cells that help blood to clot. It is used in adults with long-term liver disease who have a low platelet count and are due to have a medical or dental procedure, to reduce the need for platelet transfusion. It is also used in adults with chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP, where the immune system destroys platelets) when other treatments have not worked well enough.
How It Works
Avatrombopag acts like thrombopoietin, the natural hormone that tells the bone marrow to make platelets. It switches on the thrombopoietin receptor on platelet-making cells (megakaryocytes), so the bone marrow makes more platelets.
Dosage and Administration
Take exactly as prescribed, with food. For people with liver disease before a procedure, it is taken once daily for 5 days, starting 10 to 13 days before the procedure; the dose depends on the platelet count. For chronic ITP, the doctor starts with a set dose and adjusts it according to regular platelet counts. Do not change the dose yourself.
Interactions
Some medicines change Avatrombopag levels. Fluconazole and similar medicines can increase its levels, while Rifampicin can lower them, so dose adjustment may be needed in ITP. Tell your doctor about all medicines, including other medicines for ITP and blood thinners.
Contraindications
Do not take if you are allergic to Avatrombopag or any ingredient of the tablet.
Side Effects
- Headache, tiredness
- Fever
- Stomach pain, nausea
- Swelling of the hands or feet
- Nose bleeds, joint or muscle pain
Get urgent medical help if you notice signs of a blood clot: pain or swelling in one leg, sudden shortness of breath or chest pain, severe stomach pain with swelling (possible clot in the liver veins), or sudden weakness, numbness or difficulty speaking.
Pregnancy and Lactation
It may harm an unborn baby. Women who could become pregnant should use effective contraception. Do not breastfeed during treatment and for 2 weeks after the last dose.
Precautions and Warnings
Platelet counts will be checked regularly. If platelets rise too high, the risk of blood clots increases. People with liver disease, a history of clots or other risk factors for clots need careful monitoring. If treatment for ITP is stopped, platelet counts may fall again and bleeding risk may rise.
Overdose
Overdose may raise the platelet count too much and increase the risk of blood clots. Seek medical advice; platelet counts will be checked.
Therapeutic Class
Thrombopoietin receptor agonist (platelet-raising medicine).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Keep in the original pack.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.
All brands of Avatrombopag