Eltrombopag--a novel approach for the treatment of chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura: review and safety considerations.
Eltrombopag is one of a number of novel agents recently developed for use in the treatment of patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Rather than preventing destruction of platelets, these agents increase the production of platelets, presumably overwhelming the immune system resulting in normal platelet counts in individuals refractory to or dependent on other therapies. These treatments are well tolerated and in randomized controlled trials show an improvement in platelet counts and a reduction in bleeding in refractory patients. This article summarizes the development of this new class of drug and evaluates the safety and efficacy of eltrombopag in patients with ITP.
Cook
Lucy
L
Department of Haematology, Imperial Health Care NHS Trust, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK. n.cooper@imperial.ac.uk
Cooper
Nichola
N
D000818:Animals; D001565:Benzoates / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006801:Humans; D006834:Hydrazines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010976:Platelet Count; D016553:Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011720:Pyrazoles / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
D001565:Benzoates; D006834:Hydrazines; D011720:Pyrazoles; C520809:eltrombopag