Promacta (Eltrombopag Olamine) from Maple Leaf Medications.

What is Promacta used for? 

Promacta, with the generic name eltrombopag, is an oral medication indicated to treat thrombocytopenia among patients with chronic immune or idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. This is usually prescribed to those who have had an insufficient response to corticosteroids, immunoglobulins, and splenectomy. 

This is available in Promacta 50 mg and 25 mg tablets. 

Promacta Mechanism of Action 

This thrombopoietin receptor agonist works by interacting with the transmembrane domain of the human TPO-receptor. Then, it initiates signaling cascades, which induce proliferation and differentiation of megakaryocytes from the bone marrow progenitor cells. As a result, the number of platelets could be increased, and the risk of bleeding could be prevented. 

How to use Promacta 

To begin, read the medication information leaflet that comes with this product. Avoid taking this type of medication without fully understanding all drug information, especially precautions, printed in the guide. If you have further queries regarding this form of treatment or if you need more medical advice, you may ask your doctor or pharmacist. 

Take the tablet orally. This is usually prescribed once daily or as directed by the physician. Take this mediation without a meal or with a low calcium meal (approximately 50 mg or less). Swallow the medication whole and drink a glass of water right after. Do not chew, crush, or cut the tablet, and do not mix it with food or any liquid. 

Remember to take this medication regularly and exactly as prescribed. Make a dosing schedule to avoid missing your doses. Take this oral drug no less than 2 hours before or 4 hours after taking any products that may contain a lot of calcium, magnesium, and aluminum. This includes antacids, dairy products, supplements, sucralfate, or some forms of didanosine. These products may interact with eltrombopag and lessen its efficacy. 

Do not alter your Promacta dose as it is based on your age, overall medical condition, laboratory results, and response to treatment. You should also keep taking this drug and do not stop taking it abruptly because doing so may increase the risk of bleeding. 

Promacta Side Effects 

Common side effects: 

-nausea 

-headache 

-upset stomach 

-diarrhea 

-muscle pain 

-numbness or tingling sensation 

-sleep problems or insomnia 

-temporary hair loss 

In most cases, the side effects brought about by this medication are only mild and temporary. However, if the adverse reactions get worse or do not resolve over time, you may need to hold the medication and consult your doctor or any healthcare professional. Further, you should look out for severe side effects, including: 

-vision changes 

-symptoms of a blood clot (chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, fainting, severe dizziness, coughing out blood, trouble speaking, weakness on one side of the body) 

This is not a complete or full list of the side effects of Promacta. 

Precautions when taking Promacta  

Before you begin taking this prescription drug, you must disclose your entire medical history to your physician, especially any history of blood clots or clotting problems like Factor V Leiden, blood disorders, eye problems, and liver disease. Certain conditions may significantly impact how your body will respond to the medication. Also, you must talk about all the prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, supplements, and herbal products you are using, for they might have drug interactions with this thrombopoietin receptor agonist. 

Be watchful for a severe allergic response while on this treatment. Do not take this oral drug if you have a known allergy to eltrombopag or any inactive ingredients each tablet may contain. Signs of hypersensitivity response are swelling of the face and neck, hives (itchiness), severe dizziness, skin rashes, and breathing trouble. If this occurs, discontinue the medication and alert your medical emergency line. 

This medication works by increasing the platelets and decreasing the risk of bleeding. Even so, you must still practice safety precautions when using sharp objects, such as nail cutters, razors, or knives. You should also avoid all activities that could cause injuries and bleed, like contact sports. 

Pregnant moms should not take this medication because of the harm that it could cause to unborn babies. Although it is still unknown whether this medication could pass into the breastmilk, it is still not recommended for nursing moms. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What are the Promacta uses? 

Physicians prescribe Promacta for ITP and to patients with chronic hepatitis C virus whose platelets are low. 

When is the best time to take this medication? 

You may take it first thing in the morning or at bedtime. 

Is this medication safe for children? 

This platelet booster is safe for children 1 year of age and older. 

What is the difference between Nplate and Promacta? 

On Nplate vs Promacta, the former contains romiplostim, whereas the latter has eltrombopag. 

How much does Promacta cost? 

You may check for the price of Promacta from this page.