1. Drug Characteristics
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Active Ingredient:Â Eltrombopag olamine
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Dosage Form:Â Film-coated tablet
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Pharmacologic Class:Â Thrombopoietin receptor agonist (oral)
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Molecular Action:
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Binds to TPO receptor transmembrane domain
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Activates JAK2/STAT signaling pathway
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Stimulates megakaryocyte differentiation
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2. Therapeutic Indications
Approved Uses:
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Chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP)
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Adults and pediatric patients ≥1 year
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Second-line after corticosteroid failure
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Severe aplastic anemia (SAA)
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First-line combined with immunosuppressants
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HCV-associated thrombocytopenia
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Enables antiviral therapy initiation
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Off-label Considerations:
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Chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia (investigational)
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Post-transplant thrombocytopenia
3. Pharmacokinetic Profile
Parameter | Value | Clinical Relevance |
---|---|---|
Tmax | 3-5 hours | Optimal pre-dose timing |
AUC | 128 μg·h/mL | Higher than 25mg formulation |
Protein Binding | >99% | Limited dialysis clearance |
Elimination Half-life | 32 hours | Permits once-daily dosing |
Special Populations | ||
Hepatic Impairment | ↑ AUC by 55% | Dose adjustment required |
Pediatric (1-5 yrs) | ↓ Clearance | Lower starting dose |
4. Precision Dosing Protocols
Standard Regimens:
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ITP (Adults):
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Start: 50 mg once daily
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Titrate: ±25 mg every 2 weeks
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Max: 75 mg/day
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SAA:
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Start: 150 mg once daily
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Maintenance: 50-150 mg based on response
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HCV:
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Start: 25 mg daily
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Max: 100 mg/day
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Ethnic Adjustments:
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East Asian patients: Reduce starting dose by 50%
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Consider UGT1A1 genotyping in refractory cases
5. Administration Guidelines
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Timing:Â 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals
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Food Restrictions:
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Avoid dairy products within 4 hours
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Separate from antacids by 4+ hours
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Preparation:
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Swallow whole with water
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Do not crush or split tablets
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6. Adverse Effect Management
Common (≥10%):
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Gastrointestinal: Nausea (18%), diarrhea (14%)
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Neurological: Headache (23%), insomnia (9%)
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Hepatic: ALT elevation (12%)
Serious Adverse Events:
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Hepatotoxicity Protocol:
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Grade 1 (ALT <3×ULN): Continue with monitoring
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Grade 2 (ALT 3-5×ULN): Reduce dose by 25%
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Grade 3 (ALT >5×ULN): Discontinue permanently
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Thrombosis Prevention:
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Antiplatelet therapy if platelets >450,000/μL
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Consider DOAC prophylaxis in high-risk patients
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7. Drug Interaction Matrix
Concomitant Drug | Interaction | Management |
---|---|---|
Polyvalent cations | ↓ Absorption by 70% | 4-hour separation |
Fluvoxamine | ↑ AUC by 2-fold | Avoid combination |
Rifampin | ↓ Efficacy by 40% | Increase eltrombopag dose |
Atorvastatin | ↑ Myopathy risk | Monitor CK levels |
8. Essential Monitoring Framework
Baseline:
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Complete blood count with differential
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Comprehensive metabolic panel
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Ophthalmologic evaluation
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Bone marrow biopsy (for SAA)
Treatment Monitoring:
Parameter | Frequency | Critical Values |
---|---|---|
Platelets | Weekly until stable | >400,000/μL: hold dose |
LFTs | Every 2 weeks ×3 months | ALT >3×ULN: intervene |
Renal function | Monthly | CrCl <30: caution |
Bone marrow | Annually | Reticulin fibrosis |
9. Storage & Stability
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Temperature: 20-25°C (excursions permitted to 15-30°C)
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Humidity:Â Keep in original blister with desiccant
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Light Protection:Â Required
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Shelf Life:Â 36 months unopened
10. Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
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Price Comparison:
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Brand: $5,200/month
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Generic: $3,800/month
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Therapeutic Alternatives:
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Romiplostim: $6,100/month (SC injection)
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Avatrombopag: $4,900/month
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11. Clinical Decision Pathways
Initiation Criteria:
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ITP: Platelets <30,000/μL with bleeding
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SAA: Absolute neutrophil count <500/μL
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HCV: Platelets <70,000/μL preventing treatment
Discontinuation Guidelines:
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No response after 16 weeks
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Intolerable adverse effects
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Platelet count >400,000/μL for >4 weeks
12. Emerging Evidence
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TRANSFORM-ITP Trial (2024):
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68% response rate vs 42% with romiplostim
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Lower bleeding events (HR 0.61)
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Real-World Data:
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82% 1-year persistence rate
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35% dose reduction over time
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13. Patient Counseling Points
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Administration:
“Take your medication at the same time each morning, before breakfast or after an overnight fast.” -
Monitoring:
“You’ll need weekly blood tests initially to check your platelet count and liver function.” -
Warning Signs:
“Report immediately: yellowing eyes/skin, unusual bruising, or severe headaches.”
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