Eltrombopag, also known as Revolade or Promacta, is a non-peptide molecule which binds to the TPO receptor to increase platelet counts. This treatment is only available on the PBS to patients who relapse following splenectomy or have contraindications to splenectomy and previous treatment failure.

Eltrombopag is an oral treatment in the form of a tablet. Taken once per day, it is very important that it is taken a minimum of two hours BEFORE and four hours AFTER the consumption of food. This window is increased to four hours when consuming foods containing calcium, iron, zinc or other dietary elements that can bind to and block the absorption of Eltrombopag. In practice, many patients take this treatment at bedtime.

As with Romiplostim, Eltrombopag is not recommended for women who are or plan to become pregnant or while breastfeeding.

Side effects^# include:

• back pain
• muscle aches or spasms
• pain or numbness in arms, legs, hands, or feet
• flu symptoms such as fever, headache, sore throat, cough, tiredness, chills, and body aches
• runny or stuffy nose
• weakness
• decreased appetite
• pain or swelling in the mouth or throat
• difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• hair loss
• difficult, urgent, or painful urination
• rash
• skin tingling, itching, or burning
• swelling of the ankles, feet, or lower legs
• toothache (in children)

If you experience any of the following symptoms, we encourage you to contact your medical professional immediately:

• 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 a cold sweat
• light-headedness
• slow or difficult speech
• dizziness or faintness
• weakness or numbness of an arm or leg
• stomach pain
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• vision changes

# These side effects were reported by patients in the initial trials. After you have received medical advice for any side effects you experience, you can report side effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration online at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.