Where is Avatrombopag used?
Avatrombopag is a prescription medicine used in people with chronic liver disease. This is also used in a certain blood disorder or low blood platelet count. This is mainly used for those who are scheduled to have a medical or dental procedure. Having a low platelet count increases the risk of excessive bleeding during a particular procedure. Avatrombopag increases the creation of platelets to help prevent excessive bleeding from the procedure.
How does Avatrombopag work?
Avatrombopag increases the blood vessels of platelets by telling the body to make more megakaryocyte cells. Megakaryocyte cells are responsible for the production of platelets. This medicine is one of the platelet-stimulating agents. The production of platelets in the body starts with hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) that develop into megakaryocyte cells.
This medication which is a thrombopoietin receptor agonist states the body to make more of the HSCs progress into megakaryocytes cells. When there are more megakaryocytes cells, there is an increase in the number of platelets that can be made. As a result, there is an increased platelet level.
How is Avatrombopag taken?
The recommended dosage for this medication is based on your condition and response.
This is usually taken once a day for 5 days in a row. Your doctor will tell you how much to take and when to start taking it. It is usually 10-13 days before your procedure. To help you remember it, take it at the same time each day. Use this regularly to get the most benefit of it. Do not double the prescribed dosage to avoid some complications.
If you are taking this medicine in people with the chronic liver disease just before a procedure, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. However, be sure to finish taking all of the medication even though they are not taken 5 days in a row. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What are the possible side effects of Avatrombopag?
Common side effects:
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Headache
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Swelling of extremities
If these continue or get worse, call for medical help or your doctor right away.
What are the precautions in taking Avatrombopag?
- Before taking this medication, let your doctor know if you have any medical history or current medications. Tell also your doctor if you are allergic to this drug or if you have any allergies.
- This may not be prescribed to pregnant women. During pregnancy, this medicine should be used only when needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
- If you are a breastfeeding woman, consult your doctor first before having a dose of this medication.
- You should not share this with others even if they have the same symptoms as yours.
- Call for medical help right away if an allergic reaction happens.
- Do not use this for the treatment of other conditions.
- Tell your doctor if you ever had a blood clot or a genetic condition that could lead to blood clots.
- Inform your doctor what herbal products you are taking, especially St. John’s wort.
- Do not drink grapefruit juice or eat grapefruit while using this medication.
