What to know about Promacta (Eltrombopag) 

Promacta (eltrombopag) works by binding to and activating the thrombopoietin receptor in bone marrow cells. This stimulates the production and differentiation of megakaryocytes (large cells in the bone marrow), which leads to increased platelet production. Unlike some other treatments that simply prevent platelet destruction, Promacta/eltrombopag addresses the problem by helping your body make more platelets.

Eltrombopag is the generic version of Promacta. They contain the same active ingredient and work in the same way in your body. The main differences are:

• Cost: The generic eltrombopag typically costs less than brand-name Promacta
• Appearance: The tablets may look different, but they contain the same medicine
• Manufacturer: Brand-name Promacta is manufactured by Novartis, while generic eltrombopag may be made by various manufacturers
• Insurance coverage: Some insurance plans may prefer or require the generic version

Both medications are equally effective when taken as prescribed. QuickRx offers both options to meet your specific needs.

For optimal effectiveness, follow these important guidelines:

• Take Promacta (eltrombopag) exactly as prescribed by your doctor
• Take it on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals
• Avoid taking it with calcium-rich foods (such as dairy products) or supplements, as these can significantly reduce absorption
• If taking antacids, iron supplements, or mineral supplements, take them at least 4 hours before or after your dose
• If using the oral suspension, carefully follow the preparation instructions provided
• Do not stop taking the medication without consulting your healthcare provider

Your QuickRx pharmacist can provide personalized guidance on how to incorporate Promacta/eltrombopag into your daily routine.

Patients on Promacta (eltrombopag) typically require:

• Regular blood tests to monitor platelet counts
• Liver function tests (especially during the first year)
• Eye examinations to check for cataracts
• Periodic bone marrow examinations (in certain cases)

Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate monitoring schedule based on your specific situation. QuickRx can help coordinate with your healthcare team to ensure all necessary monitoring is completed.

Promacta (eltrombopag) can interact with several medications, including:

• Antacids containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium
• Mineral supplements containing iron, calcium, aluminum, magnesium, selenium, or zinc
• Statins (cholesterol-lowering medications)
• Certain anti-seizure medications
• Some antibiotics

Always inform your healthcare provider and pharmacist about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you take. Your QuickRx pharmacist will conduct a thorough review of your medication profile to identify potential interactions and provide guidance on how to manage them.

Promacta (eltrombopag) is available in several formulations:

• Tablets: Available in multiple strengths (12.5 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, and 75 mg)
• Oral suspension packets: For pediatric patients or adults who have difficulty swallowing tablets (available in 12.5 mg and 25 mg strengths)

The specific dosage and form prescribed will depend on your condition, weight (particularly for children), and other factors determined by your healthcare provider.

If you miss a dose:

• Take it as soon as you remember on that same day
• Return to your regular dosing schedule the next day
• Do NOT take two doses on the same day to make up for a missed dose

If you’re unsure about what to do after missing a dose, contact your QuickRx pharmacist for guidance.

Treatment duration varies depending on your specific condition and response:

• For chronic ITP: Treatment may be ongoing for many patients as long as clinically appropriate
• For hepatitis C-related thrombocytopenia: Usually continued throughout antiviral treatment
• For severe aplastic anemia: Treatment duration varies based on response

Your healthcare provider will regularly evaluate your response to treatment and determine how long you should continue taking Promacta/eltrombopag. QuickRx can help ensure uninterrupted treatment through timely refills and assistance with insurance coverage.

The safety of Promacta (eltrombopag) during pregnancy has not been well-established. It falls under FDA Pregnancy Category C, meaning:

• Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus
• There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans
• Potential benefits may warrant use despite potential risks

If you’re pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider. A pregnancy registry is available to collect information about pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to Promacta/eltrombopag.

Common Side Effects (Reported in ≥5% of Patients)

These are more likely but often manageable:

• Nausea

• Diarrhea

• Upper respiratory tract infection

• Fatigue

• Headache

• Cough

• Fever

• Back pain

• Pain in extremities

• Insomnia

• Muscle aches (myalgia)

• Oral pain or discomfort

Serious Side Effects (Require Immediate Medical Attention)

1. Liver Problems (Hepatotoxicity)

• Elevated liver enzymes (ALT, AST, bilirubin)

• Signs may include:

  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)

  • Dark urine

  • Fatigue

  • Upper right abdominal pain

Note: Liver function should be monitored regularly while on Promacta.

2. Blood Clots (Thromboembolism)

• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

• Pulmonary embolism (PE)

• Stroke

• Myocardial infarction (heart attack)

3. Cataracts

• Cloudy or blurred vision

• Eye discomfort

Note: Regular eye exams are recommended for long-term use.

4. Bone Marrow Reticulin Fibrosis

• Abnormal scarring in the bone marrow

• Can affect blood cell production

5. Worsening of Hematologic Malignancies

• Promacta (eltrombopag) is not approved for use in patients with blood cancers unless treating severe aplastic anemia.

• May stimulate cancer cell growth in some contexts.

Less Common or Rare Side Effects

• Mouth ulcers or dry mouth

• Rash or itching

• Dizziness

• Increased risk of infections (especially if white blood cells are also affected)

• Elevated creatinine or kidney abnormalities

• Heart palpitations

Monitoring and Lifestyle Considerations

Monitoring Recommendations

• Liver function tests (before and during treatment)

• Eye exams (especially if used long-term)

• Platelet counts (to avoid too high levels, which increase clot risk)

• Regular blood tests to monitor for changes in white/red blood cells

Lifestyle & Diet Notes

• Avoid calcium-rich foods or supplements within 2 hours of taking Promacta (calcium interferes with absorption).

• Maintain consistent follow-ups with your provider to adjust dosage as needed.

• Report any vision changes, signs of blood clots, or unusual bruising/bleeding immediately.

Promacta (eltrombopag) Copay Assistance comes in the form of various savings programs, which are often referred to as “Promacta copay cards.” These patient assistance programs can be very difficult for patients to find, enroll, and keep an active status. QuickRx will be there to guide you through it all.

Although these programs are free, many people are not aware they exist. That is where QuickRx comes in. We have a highly-skilled team dedicated to helping make prescription copays affordable for all who qualify by facilitating access to these programs.

You’ll never have to worry about jumping through hoops or wasting hours ever again. Each copay assistance program has their own set of rules and regulations. This is the part of the process that has proven to be frustrating for many people seeking copay assistance.

However, with QuickRx your experience will be anything but difficult. Our dedicated team will work to make the Promacta/eltrombopag copay assistance process as seamless as possible for you. In fact, your part of the process involves just a few short, easy steps to find out if you qualify for copay assistance. Fill out the form above this section and someone from our pharmacy team will contact you within 1-2 business days.

Step 1:
Get started using one of these options;

• You can call us at (917) 830-2525 or toll-free at (800)-496-6111.
• You can also fill out our Contact Form and someone will call you back within 1-2 business days.

Step 2:
Get started using one of these options;

• You can call us at (917) 830-2525 or toll-free at (800)-496-6111.
• You can also fill out our Contact Form and someone will call you back within 1-2 business days.

Step 3:
A pharmacy liaison will personally reach out to present all available assistance options tailored to your specific situation.

That’s it! From there, our team will help you find out if you qualify. If you meet the qualification guidelines, our team will ensure that your discounts are automatically applied for you at the pharmacy, coordinate pickup or home delivery of your medications, and they’ll even continue to monitor your case! With QuickRx you will have peace of mind knowing that you will never have any surprise lapse in copay assistance benefits.

At QuickRx Specialty Pharmacy, we specialize in supporting patients on complex medications like Promacta/eltrombopag by providing:

• Expert guidance from pharmacists specialized in hematology medications
• Comprehensive insurance verification and prior authorization assistance
• Copay assistance and financial support program enrollment
• Convenient home delivery of your medication
• Regular check-ins to monitor side effects and answer questions
• Coordination with your healthcare providers
• Refill reminders and medication adherence support
• 24/7 access to pharmacists for urgent questions

Our goal is to make your treatment experience as smooth and stress-free as possible, allowing you to focus on your health rather than medication logistics.