What it is used for
- Raising platelets in adults with chronic liver disease before a planned invasive procedure
- Treatment of chronic primary immune thrombocytopenia in adults when other treatments have not worked
How it is used
- Take tablets with food exactly according to the haematology or liver specialist's plan
- Do not change the dose or treatment length yourself; the plan differs by the cause of low platelets
- Attend platelet tests before, during and after treatment as requested
- If you miss a dose, follow the leaflet or contact the team and do not double it
Possible side effects
- Headache or tiredness
- Nausea or abdominal discomfort
- Platelets rising higher than intended
- A blood clot, which may be serious
Who should not use it
- Known allergy to avatrombopag or any tablet ingredient
Before and while using it
- It is not used to normalise the platelet count but to reach a target chosen by the specialist
- It may increase clot risk, especially with liver disease or other risk factors; seek help for chest pain, breathlessness, a swollen leg or sudden weakness
- Platelets may fall again after stopping, so continue the blood tests requested by the team
- In immune thrombocytopenia, follow-up may identify bone-marrow changes or recurrent bleeding that need assessment
Medicine interactions
- Some inhibitors or inducers of liver enzymes can alter exposure and may require a plan adjustment
- Tell the team about blood thinners and medicines affecting platelets or clot risk
- Do not start a supplement or herbal medicine without checking with the pharmacist or specialist
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- It is not recommended in pregnancy unless a specialist decides it is clearly needed; tell the team if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy
- The team will discuss stopping breastfeeding or avoiding treatment because the medicine may pass into milk
How to store it
- Keep tablets in the original pack to protect them from moisture and out of children's reach
Get medical help straight away if
- Your face, lips or tongue swell, or you find it hard to breathe.
- You get a severe rash, blistering or peeling skin.
- A side effect worries you or doesn’t go away: contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Questions about this medicine?
Talk to a doctor by video, or send your question by text.
Source: Standard international medicine references
This guide is general information and doesn’t replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without asking them, and always read the leaflet in the pack.