Drug Information Update - FDA extends use of drug for rare blood disorder to include young children

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Promacta (eltrombopag) to treat low blood platelet count in pediatric patients – ages one year and older – with a rare blood disorder called chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Promacta can be used in these children when they have not achieved an appropriate response using other ITP medicines or surgery to remove the spleen.

ITP is a disorder that results in an abnormally low number of platelets, the cells that help your blood clot. Without enough platelets, bleeding can occur under the skin, in mucous membranes (such as in the mouth) or in other parts of the body.

The most common side effects of treatment with Promacta in children ages one and older were infections of the upper respiratory tract or nose and throat (symptoms including fever, cough, nasal congestion, runny nose and sore throat), diarrhea, abdominal pain, rash and increase in liver enzymes.

The safety and efficacy of Promacta in pediatric patients younger than one year with ITP, or in pediatric patients with thrombocytopenia associated with chronic hepatitis C and severe aplastic anemia, have not been established.

For more information, please visit: Promacta