Eltrombopag
FDA Drug Information • Also known as: Alvaiz, Eltrombopag, Eltrombopag Olamine
- Brand Names
- Alvaiz, Eltrombopag, Eltrombopag Olamine
- Route
- ORAL
- Dosage Form
- TABLET, FILM COATED
- Product Type
- HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG
⚠ Boxed Warning (Black Box)
WARNING: RISK FOR HEPATIC DECOMPENSATION IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC HEPATITIS C and RISK OF HEPATOTOXICITY In patients with chronic hepatitis C, eltrombopag in combination with interferon and ribavirin may increase the risk of hepatic decompensation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Eltrombopag may increase the risk of severe and potentially life-threatening hepatotoxicity. Monitor hepatic function and discontinue dosing as recommended [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . WARNING: RISK FOR HEPATIC DECOMPENSATION IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC HEPATITIS C and RISK OF HEPATOTOXICITY See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. In patients with chronic hepatitis C, eltrombopag in combination with interferon and ribavirin may increase the risk of hepatic decompensation. ( 5.1 ) Eltrombopag may increase the risk of severe and potentially life-threatening hepatotoxicity. Monitor hepatic function and discontinue dosing as recommended. ( 5.2 )
Description
11 DESCRIPTION Eltrombopag tablets contain eltrombopag olamine, a small molecule thrombopoietin (TPO) receptor agonist for oral administration. Eltrombopag olamine is a biphenyl hydrazone. The chemical name for eltrombopag olamine is 3'-{(2Z)-2-[1-(3,4-dimethylphenyl)-3-methyl-5-oxo-1,5-dihydro-4H-pyrazol-4-ylidene]hydrazino}-2'-hydroxy-3-biphenylcarboxylic acid-2-aminoethanol (1:2). It has the molecular formula C 25 H 22 N 4 O 4
What Is Eltrombopag Used For?
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Eltrombopag is a thrombopoietin receptor agonist indicated: for the treatment of thrombocytopenia in adult and pediatric patients 1 year and older with persistent or chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) who have had an insufficient response to corticosteroids, immunoglobulins, or splenectomy. Eltrombopag tablets should be used only in patients with ITP whose degree of thrombocytopenia and clinical condition increase the risk for bleeding. ( 1.1 ) for the treatment of thrombocytopenia in patients with chronic hepatitis C to allow the initiation and maintenance of interferon-based therapy. Eltrombopag tablets should be used only in patients with chronic hepatitis C whose degree of thrombocytopenia prevents the initiation of interferon-based therapy or limits the ability to maintain interferon-based therapy. ( 1.2 ) in combination with standard immunosuppressive therapy for the first-line treatment of adult and pediatric patients 2 years and older with severe aplastic anemia. ( 1.3 ) for the treatment of patients with severe aplastic anemia who have had an insufficient response to immunosuppressive therapy. ( 1.3 ) Limitations of Use: Eltrombopag tablets are not indicated for the treatment of patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). ( 1.4 ) Safety and efficacy have not been established in combination with direct-acting antiviral agents used without interferon for treatment of chronic hepatitis C infection. ( 1.4 ) 1.1 Treatment of Thrombocytopenia in Patients With Persistent or Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenia Eltrombopag tablets are indicated for the treatment of thrombocytopenia in adult and pediatric patients 1 year and older with persistent or chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) who have had an insufficient response to corticosteroids, immunoglobulins, or splenectomy. Eltrombopag tablets should be used only in patients with ITP whose degree of thrombocytopenia and clinical condition increase the risk for bleeding. 1.2 Treatment of Thrombocytopenia in Patients With Hepatitis C Infection Eltrombopag tablets are indicated for the treatment of thrombocytopenia in patients with chronic hepatitis C to allow the initiation and maintenance of interferon-based therapy. Eltrombopag tablets should be used only in patients with chronic hepatitis C whose degree of thrombocytopenia prevents the initiation of interferon-based therapy or limits the ability to maintain interferon-based therapy. 1.3 Treatment of Severe Aplastic Anemia Eltrombopag tablets are indicated in combination with standard immunosuppressive therapy (IST) for the first-line treatment of adult and pediatric patients 2 years and older with severe aplastic anemia. Eltrombopag tablets are indicated for the treatment of patients with severe aplastic anemia who have had an insufficient response to immunosuppressive therapy. 1.4 Limitations of Use Eltrombopag tablets are not indicated for the treatment of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) [see Warnings...
Dosage and Administration
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Take eltrombopag tablets without a meal or with a meal low in calcium (≤ 50 mg). Take eltrombopag tablets at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after any medications or products containing polyvalent cations, such as antacids, calcium-rich foods, and mineral supplements. ( 2.4 , 7.1 , 12.3 ) Persistent or Chronic ITP: Initiate eltrombopag tablets at 50 mg orally once daily for most adult and pediatric patients 6 years and older, and at 25 mg orally once daily for pediatric patients aged 1 to 5 years. Dose reductions are needed for patients with hepatic impairment and some patients of East-/Southeast-Asian ancestry. Adjust to maintain platelet count greater than or equal to 50 x 10 9 /L. Do not exceed 75 mg per day. ( 2.1 , 8.6 , 8.7 ) Chronic Hepatitis C-associated Thrombocytopenia: Initiate eltrombopag tablets at 25 mg orally once daily for all patients. Adjust to achieve target platelet count required to initiate antiviral therapy. Do not exceed a daily dose of 100 mg. ( 2.2 ) First-line Severe Aplastic Anemia: Initiate eltrombopag tablets orally once daily at 2.5 mg/kg (in pediatric patients aged 2 to 5 years old), 75 mg (pediatric patients aged 6 to 11 years old) or 150 mg for patients aged 12 years and older concurrently with standard immunosuppressive therapy. Reduce initial dose in patients of East-/Southeast-Asian ancestry. Modify dosage for toxicity or elevated platelet counts. ( 2.3 , 8.7 ) Refractory Severe Aplastic Anemia: Initiate eltrombopag tablets orally at 50 mg once daily. Reduce initial dose in patients with hepatic impairment or patients of East-/Southeast-Asian ancestry. Adjust to maintain platelet count greater than 50 x 10 9 /L. Do not exceed 150 mg per day. ( 2.3 , 8.6 , 8.7 ) 2.1 Persistent or Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenia Use the lowest dose of eltrombopag tablets to achieve and maintain a platelet count greater than or equal to 50 x 10 9 /L as necessary to reduce the risk for bleeding. Dose adjustments are based upon the platelet count response. Do not use eltrombopag tablets to normalize platelet counts [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ]. In clinical trials, platelet counts generally increased within 1 to 2 weeks after starting eltrombopag tablets and decreased within 1 to 2 weeks after discontinuing eltrombopag tablets [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] . Initial Dose Regimen Adult and Pediatric Patients 6 Years and Older with ITP Initiate eltrombopag tablets at a dose of 50 mg orally once daily, except in patients who are of East-/Southeast-Asian ancestry or who have mild to severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class A, B, C). For patients of East-/Southeast-Asian ancestry with ITP, initiate eltrombopag tablets at a reduced dose of 25 mg orally once daily [see Use in Specific Populations (8.7) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. For patients with ITP and mild, moderate, or severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class A, B, C), initiate eltrombopag tablets at a reduced dose of 25 mg orally...
Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions associated with eltrombopag are described in other sections. Hepatic Decompensation in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Increased Risk of Death and Progression of Myelodysplastic Syndromes to Acute Myeloid Leukemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Thrombotic/Thromboembolic Complications [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Cataracts [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Across all indications, the most common adverse reactions (≥ 20% in any indication) were: anemia, nausea, pyrexia, alanine aminotransferase increased, cough, fatigue, headache, and diarrhea. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC at 1-877-835-5472 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared with rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Persistent or Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenia Adults In clinical trials, hemorrhage was the most common serious adverse reaction and most hemorrhagic reactions followed discontinuation of eltrombopag. Other serious adverse reactions included thrombotic/thromboembolic complications [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] . The data described below reflect exposure of eltrombopag to patients with persistent or chronic ITP aged 18 to 85 years, of whom 66% were female, in three placebo-controlled trials and one open-label extension trial [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] . Eltrombopag was administered to 330 patients for at least 6 months and 218 patients for at least 1 year. Table 8 presents the most common adverse drug reactions (experienced by greater than or equal to 3% of patients receiving eltrombopag) from the three placebo-controlled trials, with a higher incidence in eltrombopag versus placebo. Table 8: Adverse Reactions (≥ 3%) From Three Placebo-controlled Trials in Adults With Persistent or Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenia Adverse reaction Eltrombopag 50 mg n = 241 (%) Placebo n = 128 (%) Nausea 9 3 Diarrhea 9 7 Upper respiratory tract infection 7 6 Vomiting 6 < 1 Urinary tract infection a 5 4 Increased ALT 5 3 Myalgia 5 2 Oropharyngeal pain 4 3 Increased AST 4 2 Pharyngitis 4 2 Back pain 3 2 Influenza 3 2 Paresthesia 3 2 Rash 3 2 Abbreviations: ALT, alanine aminotransferase; AST, aspartate aminotransferase. a Includes PTs of urinary tract infection, cystitis, urinary tract infection bacterial, and bacteriuria. In the three controlled clinical persistent or chronic ITP trials, alopecia, musculoskeletal pain, blood alkaline phosphatase increased, and dry mouth were the adverse reactions reported in 2% of patients treated with eltrombopag and in no patients who received placebo. Among 302 patients with persistent or chronic ITP who received eltrombopag in the single-arm extension trial, the adverse reactions occurred in a pattern similar to that seen in the placebo-controlled trials. Table 9 presents the most common treatment-related adverse reactions (experienced by greater than or equal to 3% of patients receiving eltrombopag) from the extension trial. Table 9: Treatment-related Adverse Reactions ( > 3%) From Extension Trial in Adults With Persistent or Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenia Adverse reaction Eltrombopag 50 mg n = 302 (%) Headache 10 ALT increased 5 AST increased 5 Cataract 5 Fatigue 5 Blood bilirubin increased 4 Nausea 4 Hyperbilirubinemia 3 Diarrhea 3 Abbreviations: ALT, alanine aminotransferase; AST, aspartate aminotransferase. In the three controlled persistent or chronic ITP trials, serum liver test abnormalities (predominantly Grade 2 or less in severity) were reported in 11% and 7% of patients for eltrombopag and placebo, respectively. Four...
Drug Interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS 7.1 Polyvalent Cations (Chelation) Eltrombopag chelates polyvalent cations (such as iron, calcium, aluminum, magnesium, selenium, and zinc) in foods, mineral supplements, and antacids. Take eltrombopag tablets at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after any medications or products containing polyvalent cations, such as antacids, dairy products, and mineral supplements to avoid significant reduction in absorption of eltrombopag due to chelation [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . 7.2 Transporters Use caution when concomitantly administering eltrombopag and drugs that are substrates of OATP1B1 (e.g., atorvastatin, bosentan, ezetimibe, fluvastatin, glyburide, olmesartan, pitavastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, repaglinide, rifampin, simvastatin acid, SN-38 [active metabolite of irinotecan], valsartan) or breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) (e.g., imatinib, irinotecan, lapatinib, methotrexate, mitoxantrone, rosuvastatin, sulfasalazine, topotecan). Monitor patients closely for signs and symptoms of excessive exposure to the drugs that are substrates of OATP1B1 or BCRP and consider reduction of the dose of these drugs, if appropriate. In clinical trials with eltrombopag, a dose reduction of rosuvastatin by 50% was recommended. 7.3 Protease Inhibitors HIV Protease Inhibitors: No dose adjustment is recommended when eltrombopag is co-administered with lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/RTV). Drug interactions with other HIV protease inhibitors have not been evaluated. Hepatitis C Virus Protease Inhibitors: No dose adjustments are recommended when eltrombopag is co-administered with boceprevir or telaprevir. Drug interactions with other hepatitis C virus (HCV) protease inhibitors have not been evaluated. 7.4 Peginterferon Alfa-2a/b Therapy No dose adjustments are recommended when eltrombopag is co-administered with peginterferon alfa-2a (PEGASYS ® ) or -2b (PEGINTRON ® ). 7.5 Interference with Clinical Laboratory Tests Eltrombopag is highly colored and can cause patient sample discoloration, which is reported to interfere with some clinical laboratory tests, including, but not limited to bilirubin and creatinine. Bilirubin Testing : Eltrombopag can cause both positive and negative interference with bilirubin assays. If the laboratory results for bilirubin are inconsistent with clinical observations, further evaluation of liver function should be performed to clarify the clinical status of the patient. Evaluating contemporaneous aminotransferase values (AST, ALT) may help determine the validity of normal total bilirubin levels in the presence of clinical jaundice. Creatinine Testing : Eltrombopag can cause positive interference with creatinine measurements, leading to falsely elevated creatinine levels. In the event of an unexpected serum creatinine test result, further evaluation of renal function should be performed. Blood urea should be evaluated if serum creatinine is unexpectedly high. Communicate to the...
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None. ( 4 )
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data from a small number of published case reports and post-marketing experience with eltrombopag use in pregnant women are insufficient to assess any drug-associated risks for major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. In animal reproduction and developmental toxicity studies, oral administration of eltrombopag to pregnant rats during organogenesis resulted in embryolethality and reduced fetal weights at maternally toxic doses. These effects were observed at doses resulting in exposures that were six times the human clinical exposure based on area under the curve (AUC) in patients with persistent or chronic ITP at 75 mg/day, and three times the AUC in patients with chronic hepatitis C at 100 mg/day (see Data) . The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and of miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Data Animal Data In an early embryonic development study, female rats received oral eltrombopag at doses of 10, 20, or 60 mg/kg/day (0.8, 2, and 6 times, respectively, the human clinical exposure based on AUC in patients with ITP at 75 mg/day and 0.3, 1, and 3 times, respectively, the human clinical exposure based on AUC in patients with chronic hepatitis C at 100 mg/day). Increased pre- and post-implantation loss and reduced fetal weight were observed at the highest dose which also caused maternal toxicity. In an embryo-fetal development study eltrombopag was administered orally to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis at doses of 10, 20, or 60 mg/kg/day (0.8, 2, and 6 times, respectively, the human clinical exposure based on AUC in patients with ITP at 75 mg/day and 0.3, 1, and 3 times, respectively, the...
8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential Contraception Based on animal reproduction studies, eltrombopag can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Sexually-active females of reproductive potential should use effective contraception (methods that result in less than 1% pregnancy rates) when using eltrombopag during treatment and for at least 7 days after stopping treatment with eltrombopag.
Overdosage
10 OVERDOSAGE In the event of overdose, platelet counts may increase excessively and result in thrombotic/thromboembolic complications. In one report, a subject who ingested 5,000 mg of eltrombopag had a platelet count increase to a maximum of 929 x 10 9 /L at 13 days following the ingestion. The patient also experienced rash, bradycardia, ALT/AST elevations, and fatigue. The patient was treated with gastric lavage, oral lactulose, intravenous fluids, omeprazole, atropine, furosemide, calcium, dexamethasone, and plasmapheresis; however, the abnormal platelet count and liver test abnormalities persisted for 3 weeks. After 2 months’ follow-up, all events had resolved without sequelae. In case of an overdose, consider oral administration of a metal cation-containing preparation, such as calcium, aluminum, or magnesium preparations to chelate eltrombopag and thus limit absorption. Closely monitor platelet counts. Reinitiate treatment with eltrombopag in accordance with dosing and administration recommendations [see Dosage and Administration (2.1 , 2.2) ] . Consider contacting the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) or a medical toxicologist for additional overdose management recommendations.
How Supplied
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Eltrombopag Tablets, 12.5 mg are supplied as white to off-white, round, biconvex, film-coated tablets, free from physical defects, debossed with “C9” one side and plain on other. They are available as follows: Bottles of 30: NDC 60219-1417-3 Eltrombopag Tablets, 25 mg are supplied as orange colored, round, biconvex, film-coated tablets, free from physical defects, debossed with “A25” one side and plain on other. They are available as follows: Bottles of 30: NDC 60219-1416-3 Eltrombopag Tablets, 50 mg are supplied as blue colored, round, biconvex, film-coated tablets, free from physical defects, debossed with “A26” one side and plain on other. They are available as follows: Bottles of 30: NDC 60219-1415-3 Eltrombopag Tablets, 75 mg are supplied as light brown to brown colored, round, biconvex, film-coated tablets, free from physical defects, debossed with “AC50” one side and plain on other. They are available as follows: Bottles of 30: NDC 60219-1414-3 Store at room temperature between 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature] . Dispense in original bottle.
About This Information
This drug information is sourced from FDA-approved labeling via the openFDA database. It is intended for educational and reference purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making decisions about medication. Drug information may be updated by the FDA; check with your pharmacist for the most current information.
What are side effects?
Side effects are unwanted reactions that can occur when taking a medication. They range from mild (headache, nausea) to severe (allergic reactions, organ damage). Not everyone experiences side effects, and severity varies. Report any concerning side effects to your doctor.
What are drug interactions?
Drug interactions occur when a medication is affected by another drug, food, or supplement. Interactions can make medications less effective or cause dangerous side effects. Always tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take.