ChamberBD Logo ChamberBD
বাংলায় দেখুন

Tablet

Olapag-50 50 mg Tablet

Generic: Eltrombopag

Manufacturer: Drug International Ltd., Gopalpur

Therapeutic class: Thrombopoietin receptor agonist

What is Olapag-50 used for?

Olapag-50 50 mg tablet by Drug International Ltd., Gopalpur is a medicine that contains Eltrombopag. In Bangladesh, it is mainly prescribed by specialists to help increase low platelet counts in conditions such as chronic immune thrombocyto…

What is Olapag-50?

Olapag-50 50 mg tablet by Drug International Ltd., Gopalpur is a medicine that contains Eltrombopag. In Bangladesh, it is mainly prescribed by specialists to help increase low platelet counts in conditions such as chronic immune thrombocytopenia when other treatments have not worked well, and in selected patients with severe aplastic anaemia or hepatitis C related thrombocytopenia where appropriate.

Eltrombopag works by stimulating thrombopoietin receptors in the bone marrow, helping the body produce more platelets. A key caution is that it can affect the liver and may increase the risk of blood clots, so platelet counts and liver function need medical monitoring.

Indications

  • Chronic immune thrombocytopenia in adults and children when response to other treatments is inadequate.
  • Thrombocytopenia associated with chronic hepatitis C, to allow or optimise interferon-based antiviral therapy where this approach is used.
  • Severe aplastic anaemia, including use with immunosuppressive therapy or in patients with inadequate response to previous therapy, under specialist supervision.

Dosage & Administration

Eltrombopag dosing is individualised according to the condition being treated, platelet count, liver function, ethnicity, other medicines, and response to treatment. It is usually taken once daily, and the dose is adjusted by the doctor based on regular blood tests. It should generally be taken on an empty stomach or as directed, and separated from dairy products, antacids, iron, calcium, magnesium, aluminium, zinc, or multivitamins because these reduce absorption. Do not change the dose or stop treatment without medical advice.

Side Effects

  • Common side effects may include headache, nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort, tiredness, cough, upper respiratory tract infection, and rash.
  • Blood tests may show increased liver enzymes or bilirubin.
  • Serious side effects can include liver injury, blood clots, very high platelet counts, worsening blood counts after stopping, cataracts, and in some bone marrow disorders possible progression of disease.
  • Seek urgent medical help for yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, severe abdominal pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden weakness, vision changes, or swelling/pain in a limb.

Precautions & Warnings

Use Eltrombopag carefully in people with liver disease, kidney disease, a history of blood clots, risk factors for thrombosis, cataracts, bone marrow disorders, or myelodysplastic syndromes. Regular platelet counts, complete blood counts, and liver function tests are important during treatment. It is not intended to make platelet counts normal; the aim is to reduce bleeding risk. Use this medicine only under the guidance of a registered doctor or pharmacist.

Drug Interactions

  • Antacids, dairy products, calcium, iron, magnesium, aluminium, zinc, selenium, and multivitamin/mineral supplements can markedly reduce absorption; doses usually need to be separated as instructed by the doctor.
  • High-calcium meals can reduce absorption and should be avoided near the time of dosing unless the prescriber advises otherwise.
  • Eltrombopag may increase exposure to some statins, such as rosuvastatin, pravastatin, pitavastatin, atorvastatin, and fluvastatin; dose adjustment or monitoring may be needed.
  • Some antivirals and immunosuppressants, including ciclosporin, may affect Eltrombopag levels or response.
  • Medicines that affect bleeding or clotting, such as anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs, require careful medical monitoring.

Contraindications

  • Do not use Eltrombopag in anyone with known hypersensitivity or serious allergic reaction to eltrombopag or any tablet ingredient.
  • Do not use it without a confirmed diagnosis and a doctor’s prescription, because low platelets can have many causes requiring different treatment.

Pregnancy & Lactation

There are limited human data on use of Eltrombopag during pregnancy. It should be used in pregnancy only if the expected benefit justifies the potential risk, under specialist advice. It is not known whether eltrombopag passes into human breast milk; breastfeeding decisions should be made with the doctor, considering the importance of treatment and possible risk to the infant.

Storage Conditions

Store tablets at room temperature, away from excess heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep in the original packaging and out of the reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date, and return unused or expired medicine to a pharmacy when possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I take Olapag-50 with food or other medicines?

Take Olapag-50 exactly as prescribed. It is generally taken on an empty stomach or as directed, and should be separated from dairy products, antacids, iron, calcium, magnesium, aluminium, zinc, and multivitamins because they can reduce absorption. Follow your doctor’s specific timing instructions.

Why do I need regular blood tests while taking Olapag-50?

Regular blood tests are needed to monitor platelet counts and liver function. The dose may be adjusted based on these results, and monitoring helps reduce the risk of liver problems, very high platelet counts, or blood clots.

Can I stop Olapag-50 when my platelet count improves?

Do not stop Olapag-50 or change the dose without medical advice. Platelet counts can fall again after stopping, and your doctor will decide whether and how treatment should be adjusted.

What warning signs should I watch for while using Olapag-50?

Seek urgent medical help if you develop yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, severe abdominal pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden weakness, vision changes, or swelling and pain in an arm or leg.

Was this information helpful?

Last updated:

👨‍⚕️ Need to see a doctor? Find the best Medicine Specialist in Bangladesh →