This medication is used by people with chronic liver
disease and a certain blood disorder (low platelet count) who are scheduled
to have a medical or dental procedure. Having a low platelet count
increases the risk of too much bleeding during certain procedures. This
medication increases the production of platelets by your body to help
prevent too much bleeding from the procedure.
Avatrombopag is also used to treat people with a certain
blood disorder known as chronic immune thrombocytopenia-ITP. This is a
condition where the amount of platelets in the blood is lower than normal.
ITP can lead to serious bleeding problems. This medication increases the
production of platelets by your body to help prevent too much bleeding from
ITP.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start taking avatrombopag and each time you get
a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
If you are taking this medication to prevent bleeding
during a medical or dental procedure, take this medication by mouth with
food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily for 5 days in a row.
Your doctor will tell you how much to take and when to start taking it
(usually 10 to 13 days before your procedure).
If you are taking this medication for ITP, take this
medication by mouth with food as directed by your doctor, usually once
daily.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, lab
tests, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Be
sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use
(including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal
products).
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each
day.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- symptoms of low sodium blood levels (such as nausea, extreme
drowsiness, mental/mood changes)
- swelling hands/ankles/feet
This medication may rarely cause serious problems from
blood clots (such as heart attack, stroke, blood clots in the lungs or
legs). You may be at increased risk for blood clots if you have a history
of blood clots, chronic liver disease, certain inherited blood clotting
disorders, or if you are immobile (such as on very long plane flights or
being bedridden). If you use estrogen-containing products, these may also
increase your risk. Before using this medication, if you have any of these
conditions report them to your doctor or pharmacist (see also Precautions
section). Get medical help right away if any of these side effects
occur:
- shortness of breath/rapid breathing
- chest/jaw/left arm pain
- unusual sweating
- confusion
- sudden dizziness/fainting
- pain/swelling/warmth in the groin/calf
- sudden/severe headaches
- trouble speaking
- weakness on one side of the body
- sudden vision changes
- stomach/abdominal pain or tenderness
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking avatrombopag, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic
reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- blood clotting disorders (such as protein C or protein S
deficiency, antithrombin deficiency, Factor V Leiden)
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not
recommended while using this medication and for at least 2 weeks after the
last dose. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab (such as platelet count) should be done before you
start taking this medication and while you are taking it. Other lab/medical
tests (such as blood mineral levels) may also be done. Keep all medical and
lab appointments.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store in the original package at room temperature away
from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications
away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.
Your condition can cause complications in a medical
emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call
1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).