#elopag

What For Used Elopag 25 mg 

Elopag 25 mg is used to increase the number of platelets (cells that help the blood clot) to decrease the risk of bleeding in adults and children 1 year of age and older who have chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP; an ongoing condition that may cause unusual bruising or bleeding due to an abnormally low number of platelets in the blood) and who have not been helped or cannot be treated with other treatments, including medications or surgery to remove the spleen. Elopag 25 mg is also used to increase the number of platelets in people who have hepatitis C (a viral infection that may damage the liver) so that they can begin and continue treatment with interferon (Peginterferon, Pegintron, others) and ribavirin (Rebetol). Elopag 25 mg is also used in combination with other medications to treat aplastic anemia (condition in which the body does not make enough new blood cells) in adults and children 2 years of age and older. It is also used to treat aplastic anemia in adults who have not been helped with other medications. Elopag 25 mg is used to increase the number of platelets enough to decrease the risk of bleeding in people with ITP or aplastic anemia, or to allow treatment with interferon and ribavirin in people with hepatitis C. However it is not used to increase the number of platelets to a normal level. Elopag 25 mg should not be used to treat people who have low numbers of platelets due to conditions other than ITP, hepatitis C, or aplastic anemia. Eltrombopag is in a class of medications called thrombopoietin receptor agonists. It works by causing the cells in the bone marrow to produce more platelets.

How should You Take Elopag 25 mg

Elopag 25 mg comes as a tablet and as a powder for oral suspension (liquid) to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating. Take Elopag 25 mg at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Elopag 25 mg exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Take Elopag 25 mg at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after you eat or drink foods that contain a lot of calcium, such as dairy products, calcium-fortified juices, cereals, oatmeal, and breads; trout; clams; leafy green vegetables such as spinach and collard greens; and tofu and other soy products. Ask your doctor if you are not sure if a food contains a lot of calcium. You may find it helpful to take Elopag 25 mg close to the beginning or end of your day so that you will be able to eat these foods during most of your waking hours.

Side Effects 

back pain

muscle aches or spasms

headache

flu symptoms such as fever, headache, sore throat, cough, tiredness, chills, and body aches

weakness

extreme tiredness

decreased appetite

pain or swelling in the mouth or throat

hair loss

rash

skin color changes

skin tingling, itching, or burning

swelling of the ankles, feet, or lower legs

toothache (in children)

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

swelling, pain, tenderness, warmth or redness in one leg

shortness of breath, coughing up blood, fast heartbeat, fast breathing, pain when breathing deeply

pain in the chest, arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach, breaking out in cold sweat, lightheadedness

slow or difficult speech, sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg, sudden headache, sudden vision problems, sudden difficulty walking

stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

cloudy, blurry vision, or other vision changes

Your doctor will order an eye exam before and during your treatment with eltrombopag.

Some Extra Information About  Elopag 25 mg

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.