| Common Brands | Doptelet |
|---|---|
|
Drug Class |
Thrombopoietin receptor agonist |
|
Controlled Substance Classification |
Not a controlled medication |
|
Generic Status |
No Lower-cost generic available |
|
Availability |
Prescription only |
Avatrombopag is one type of oral medication classified as a thrombopoietin receptor agonist, predominantly used in the treatment of thrombocytopenia. The latter is a medical condition characterized by the presence of low platelet counts within the blood.
This drug has gained widespread attention because it stimulates the production of platelets to improve the health status of individuals suffering from specific medical conditions that lead to deficiencies in platelets.
Avatrombopag is approved for use solely for the treatment of thrombocytopenia in patients with chronic liver disease who are to undergo a medical procedure, including procedures such as biopsies or surgery. The drug is known under the brand name Doptelet.
Avatrombopag is supplied in the form of an oral tablet. Dosing in the treatment with avatrombopag, typically follows a regimen provided by a healthcare professional, specific to each patient’s case and response to the medication.
Precise instructions on how to take avatrombopag should be followed exactly, both in terms of whether to take it with or without food and whether the tablet should be crushed, chewed, or broken.
In the case of patients with chronic liver disease, the drug is normally initiated at least 10 days before any planned surgical intervention to maximize platelet levels.
Drug dosage may be adjusted to suit the individual patient’s response to the medication. Patients are also advised to carry out routine blood checks for platelets, to determine the effectiveness of the treatment.
Avatrombopag primarily acts through the activation of its receptor, thrombopoietin receptor, or c-MPL on megakaryocytes-large cells located in the bone marrow that are responsible for platelet production.
The binding of avatrombopag to the c-MPL receptor leads to a cascade of intracellular signaling, which eventually leads to an increase in platelet production. It functions similarly to thrombopoietin, by targeting the same receptor to induce production and release of platelets from megakaryocytes into the blood stream.
Avatrombopag, through its stimulation of platelet generation, helps increase the levels of platelets in the blood, thereby reducing the risk of bleeding complications in patients with thrombocytopenia, particularly those with chronic liver disease or other disease states causing low platelet counts.
Avatrombopag, like every other medication, can lead to side effects, but they do not affect all people. Side effects commonly reported with avatrombopag include:
Headache: Some of them may experience headaches as their body adapts to the medication.
Fatigue: Many patients feel more fatigued than usual, and this is prevalent in the early stages of the treatment process.
Nausea: Others still may face nausea and stomach discomfort while taking avatrombopag.
Peripheral Edema: There can be swelling of the limbs, particularly the feet and ankles.
Thrombosis: The risk of blood clots is increased with the elevated platelet counts, but this is rare enough to potentially cause dangerous problems like stroke or heart attack.
Liver Function: Avatrombopag must be used with caution for the patients with liver disease, including those with moderate to severe hepatic impairment. Liver function tests should be performed regularly to be able to detect any adverse effect.
Risk of Blood Clots: The patient taking avatrombopag is at risk of developing thrombosis, including blood clots, particularly if the platelet count increases too rapidly. There is a general necessity to monitor during treatment the disorders of blood clotting.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Safety of avatrombopag has not been confirmed in pregnant and breastfeeding women. Avatrombopag is recommended to be administered only if it outweighs the potential risks associated with its use. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their physician before the use of avatrombopag.
Drug Interactions: Avatrombopag can interact with other drugs, especially those that alter blood clotting, such as warfarin, or impact on liver enzymes. Patients should inform their healthcare provider of all the drugs they are taking.
The usual dose for thrombocytopenia in patients with chronic liver disease involves administration of 20 mg by an oral route once a day.
Dose can be adjusted according to the individual patient’s requirements and response to platelet count changes. For patients with hepatic impairment, the dose should be adjusted appropriately.
Dosages may need to be adjusted based on platelet counts, liver function, and the general health of the patient. The patient should strictly adhere to the doctor’s prescriptions and dosing instructions. Any change should only be allowed after consulting with a healthcare provider.
Avatrombopag is a prescription-only drug, meaning that patients would get this after approval from a healthcare provider. Prior to initiation, thorough medical history evaluation is required to verify that avatrombopag is the best option for treatment.
The prescribing physician will consider several factors, including liver function tests, platelet count, as well as any underlying diseases a patient might have, to determine the best course of action.
Patients should have regular follow-up appointments to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment and adjust the dosage if needed
Avatrombopag is a thrombopoietin receptor agonist used to treat thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) in adults with chronic liver disease and other conditions.
Avatrombopag stimulates the body’s production of platelets by binding to the thrombopoietin receptor, which helps increase platelet counts.
It is primarily approved for the treatment of thrombocytopenia in patients with chronic liver disease and for certain types of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).
The recommended dosage varies based on the condition being treated. Typically, it is taken orally once daily, but specific dosing should be confirmed by a healthcare provider.
Common side effects may include headache, fatigue, nausea, and increased liver enzymes. Patients should report any severe or persistent side effects to their healthcare provider.
Patients should consult their healthcare provider about possible interactions with other medications, including anticoagulants, as they may affect platelet function.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but skip it if it’s almost time for your next dose. Never take two doses at once.
Avatrombopag should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat, and kept out of reach of children.
There are no specific dietary restrictions, but patients should maintain a balanced diet and consult their doctor about any significant changes.
The safety of Avatrombopag during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been fully established. Patients should discuss risks and benefits with their healthcare provider.
Platelet counts may begin to improve within the first week of treatment, but full effects may take longer depending on individual responses.
Avatrombopag may increase liver enzyme levels, so liver function should be monitored during treatment. Report any symptoms of liver issues to your doctor.
Currently, Avatrombopag is not approved for use in pediatric patients. Consult a healthcare professional for alternatives in children.
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience severe side effects such as uncontrolled bleeding, severe headaches, or symptoms of liver damage (e.g., jaundice).
The long-term use of Avatrombopag should be determined by a healthcare provider based on the individual’s condition and response to treatment.
Regular blood tests are usually needed to monitor platelet counts and liver function. Your doctor will advise on the frequency of these tests.
Avatrombopag should not be used in patients with a known hypersensitivity to the drug or in those with certain medical conditions affecting platelet production.
There may be an increased risk of thrombosis (blood clots) in some patients. Monitoring and discussing risks with a healthcare provider is essential.
Avatrombopag is administered orally in tablet form and should be taken as directed by your healthcare provider.
More information can be found in the medication guide provided by the pharmacy, the prescribing healthcare provider, or through reputable medical websites.
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