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Frequently Asked Questions
PROMACTA
Find help for common questions
Whether you are curious about PROMACTA® (eltrombopag) as a chronic immune thrombocytopenia (chronic ITP) treatment or about chronic ITP in general, here is a quick guide with answers to common questions, so you can take a more active role in discussions with your doctor.
You can also watch the video below, featuring practicing hematologist Dr Morey A. Blinder, Professor of Medicine, Division of Hematology, at Washington University in St Louis, Missouri. Here, Dr Blinder discusses topics such as: What chronic ITP is, what PROMACTA is, how PROMACTA works, what dietary considerations are associated with PROMACTA, and how you should take PROMACTA.
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- PROMACTA is the only oral prescription platelet booster used to treat adults and children 1 year and older with chronic immune thrombocytopenia (chronic ITP)
- PROMACTA is used after other ITP treatments, such as steroids or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) have failed to keep your platelets up or have caused too many side effects
- PROMACTA is the only platelet booster that comes in a once-daily tablet and as an oral suspension
To learn more about PROMACTA, go here.
Chronic ITP is a rare blood condition. People with chronic ITP have not had enough platelets in their blood for 6 months or more.
A low number of platelets can lead to easy bruising and bleeding. Fortunately, chronic ITP can be managed with treatment, such as PROMACTA.
To learn more about chronic ITP, go here.
- PROMACTA is the only platelet booster that comes in a tablet or an oral suspension you can take once a day
- Platelet boosters work differently from other chronic ITP treatments: Instead of hurting the immune system, they work with your body to create more platelets so it can make up for the ones it has destroyed. This in turn helps raise platelet counts and improve bruising and bleeding
- The efficacy of PROMACTA has been studied and proven in adults for up to 7 years
Click here to learn more about how PROMACTA may help.
PROMACTA is meant to be taken by people who:
- are 1 year and older, AND
- have chronic ITP that has lasted for 6 months or more, AND
- for whom other ITP treatments (such as steroids or IVIg) have failed to keep platelets up or have caused too many side effects
Curious if PROMACTA is right for you? Learn helpful tips on how to talk about your chronic ITP treatment options with your doctor so you can take a more active role in treatment discussions and decisions.
The side effects of PROMACTA and other platelet boosters are generally mild. The most common side effects of PROMACTA in adults with chronic ITP are:
- nausea
- diarrhea
- upper respiratory tract infection (symptoms may include runny nose, stuffy nose, and sneezing)
- vomiting
- urinary tract infection
- pain or swelling (inflammation) in your throat or mouth (oropharyngeal pain and pharyngitis)
- abnormal liver function tests
- muscle aches
To learn more about side effects, go here.
PROMACTA is a prescription medication, so you will have to work with your doctor to see if it is the right treatment for your chronic ITP.
Click here for tips on how to take a more active role when talking to your doctor about your chronic ITP treatment options.
Questions about cost? Click here to learn about the PROMACTA Co-pay Card and other financial assistance.
Here are 3 important things to know:
- PROMACTA can be taken without a meal or it can be taken with a meal low in calcium (≤50 mg)
- PROMACTA should be taken 2 hours before or 4 hours after taking medications like antacids, mineral supplements, or foods that are high in calcium
- Weekly doctor’s visits aren’t required for administration of PROMACTA
Click here to get more tips about taking PROMACTA.
First, check out our PROMACTA Patient Support Program by clicking here.
Other useful resources include:
- Platelet Disorder Support Association (PDSA) www.pdsa.org
A helpful resource for ITP education, advocacy, research, and support, the PDSA website can help you find ITP experts or hematology centers of excellence near you
- ITP and Me www.itpandme.com
Providing medical, emotional, and lifestyle guidance, as well as helpful daily tips for people and families living with ITP
- Guide2ITP www.guide2itp.com
Health Monitor’s PDSA-reviewed guide for anyone living with ITP
- American Society of Hematology www.hematology.org/Patients/
Furthering the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of certain blood and bone disorders through educational resources, tools, and tips
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/immune-thrombocytopenia
NHLBI promotes the prevention and treatment of heart, lung, and blood diseases
- National Organization for Rare Disorders www.rarediseases.org
Providing a unified voice for those with rare diseases and their caregivers, seeking to help them so they won’t have to fight their battle alone
