The following Structured Product Label (SPL) was submitted to the FDA by Teva Pharmaceuticals, Inc. for the product Eltrombopag (NDC 0480-4015). This document serves as the official prescribing information, containing essential scientific data and clinical materials required for healthcare providers and patients.
This specific version of the label includes detailed information regarding warning: risk for hepatic decompensation in patients with chronic hepatitis c and risk of hepatotoxicity, 1.2 treatment of thrombocytopenia in patients with hepatitis c infection, 1.3 treatment of severe aplastic anemia, 1.4 limitations of use, 2.2 chronic hepatitis c-associated thrombocytopenia, 2.3 severe aplastic anemia, 2.4 administration, 3 dosage forms and strengths, and other regulatory disclosures. Use the navigation below to review specific sections of the FDA submission.
In patients with chronic hepatitis C, eltrombopag in combination with interferon and ribavirin may increase the risk of hepatic decompensation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Eltrombopag may increase the risk of severe and potentially life-threatening hepatotoxicity. Monitor hepatic function and discontinue dosing as recommended [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Eltrombopag tablets are indicated for the treatment of thrombocytopenia in patients with chronic hepatitis C to allow the initiation and maintenance of interferon-based therapy. Eltrombopag tablets should be used only in patients with chronic hepatitis C whose degree of thrombocytopenia prevents the initiation of interferon-based therapy or limits the ability to maintain interferon-based therapy.
Use the lowest dose of eltrombopag tablets to achieve and maintain a platelet count necessary to initiate and maintain antiviral therapy with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. Dose adjustments are based upon the platelet count response. Do not use eltrombopag tablets to normalize platelet counts [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]. In clinical trials, platelet counts generally began to rise within the first week of treatment with eltrombopag tablets [see Clinical Studies (14.2)].
Initial Dose Regimen: Initiate eltrombopag tablets at a dose of 25 mg orally once daily.
Monitoring and Dose Adjustment: Adjust the dose of eltrombopag tablets in 25 mg increments every 2 weeks as necessary to achieve the target platelet count required to initiate antiviral therapy. Monitor platelet counts every week prior to starting antiviral therapy.
During antiviral therapy, adjust the dose of eltrombopag tablets to avoid dose reductions of peginterferon. Monitor CBCs with differentials, including platelet counts, weekly during antiviral therapy until a stable platelet count is achieved. Monitor platelet counts monthly thereafter. Do not exceed a dose of 100 mg daily. Monitor clinical hematology and liver tests (e.g., transaminases and bilirubin) regularly throughout therapy with eltrombopag tablets [see Drug Interactions (7.5)].
For specific dosage instructions for peginterferon or ribavirin, refer to their respective prescribing information.
Platelet count result | Dose adjustment or response |
< 50 x 109/L following at least 2 weeks of eltrombopag tablets | Increase daily dose by 25 mg to a maximum of 100 mg/day. |
≥ 200 x 109/L to ≤ 400 x 109/L at any time | Decrease the daily dose by 25 mg. Wait 2 weeks to assess the effects of this and any subsequent dose adjustments. |
> 400 x 109/L | Stop eltrombopag tablets; increase the frequency of platelet monitoring to twice weekly. Once the platelet count is < 150 x 109/L, reinitiate therapy at a daily dose reduced by 25 mg. For patients taking 25 mg once daily, reinitiate therapy at a daily dose of 12.5 mg. |
> 400 x 109/L after 2 weeks of therapy at lowest dose of eltrombopag tablets | Discontinue eltrombopag tablets. |
Discontinuation: The prescribing information for pegylated interferon and ribavirin include recommendations for antiviral treatment discontinuation for treatment futility. Refer to pegylated interferon and ribavirin prescribing information for discontinuation recommendations for antiviral treatment futility.
Eltrombopag tablets should be discontinued when antiviral therapy is discontinued. Excessive platelet count responses, as outlined in Table 2, or important liver test abnormalities also necessitate discontinuation of eltrombopag tablets [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
First-Line Severe Aplastic Anemia
Initiate eltrombopag tablets concurrently with standard immunosuppressive therapy [see Clinical Studies (14.3)].
Initial Dose Regimen
The recommended initial dose regimen is listed in Table 3. Do not exceed the initial dose of eltrombopag tablets.
Age | Dose regimen |
Patients 12 years and older | 150 mg orally once daily for 6 months |
Pediatric patients 6 to 11 years | 75 mg orally once daily for 6 months |
Pediatric patients 2 to 5 years | 2.5 mg/kg orally once daily for 6 months |
For patients with severe aplastic anemia of East-/Southeast-Asian ancestry or those with mild, moderate, or severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class A, B, C), decrease the initial eltrombopag tablets dose by 50% as listed in Table 4 [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6, 8.7), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
If baseline alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels are > 6 x upper limit of normal (ULN), do not initiate eltrombopag tablets until transaminase levels are < 5 x ULN. Determine the initial dose for these patients based on Table 3 or Table 4.
Age | Dose regimen |
Patients 12 years and older | 75 mg orally once daily for 6 months |
Pediatric patients 6 to 11 years | 37.5 mg orally once daily for 6 months |
Pediatric patients 2 to 5 years | 1.25 mg/kg orally once daily for 6 months |
Monitoring and Dose Adjustment for eltrombopag tablets: Perform clinical hematology and liver tests regularly throughout therapy with eltrombopag tablets [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Modify the dosage regimen of eltrombopag tablets based on platelet counts as outlined in Table 5.
Platelet count result | Dose adjustment or response |
> 200 x 109/L to ≤ 400 x 109/L | Decrease the daily dose by 25 mg every 2 weeks to lowest dose that maintains platelet count ≥ 50 x 109/L. In pediatric patients under 12 years of age, decrease the dose by 12.5 mg. |
> 400 x 109/L | Discontinue eltrombopag tablets for one week. Once the platelet count is < 200 x 109/L, reinitiate eltrombopag tablets at a daily dose reduced by 25 mg (or 12.5 mg in pediatric patients under 12 years of age). |
Table 6 summarizes the recommendations for dose interruption, reduction, or discontinuation of eltrombopag tablets in the management of elevated liver transaminase levels and thromboembolic events.
Event | Recommendation |
ALT or AST elevations | Increase in ALT or AST > 6 x ULN Discontinue eltrombopag tablets. Once ALT or AST is < 5 x ULN, reinitiate eltrombopag tablets at the same dose. Increase in ALT or AST > 6 x ULN after reinitiating eltrombopag tablets Discontinue eltrombopag tablets and monitor ALT or AST at least every 3 to 4 days. Once ALT or AST is < 5 x ULN, reinitiate eltrombopag tablets at a daily dose reduced by 25 mg compared to the previous dose. If ALT or AST returns to > 6 x ULN on the reduced dose Reduce the daily dose of eltrombopag tablets by 25 mg until ALT or AST is < 5 x ULN. In pediatric patients under 12 years of age, reduce the daily dose by at least 15% to the nearest dose that can be administered. |
Thromboembolic events (e.g., deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolus, stroke, myocardial infarction) | Discontinue eltrombopag tablets but remain on horse antithymocyte globulin (h-ATG) and cyclosporine. |
Abbreviations: ALT, alanine aminotransferase; AST, aspartate aminotransferase; ULN, upper limit of normal. | |
The total duration of eltrombopag tablets treatment is 6 months.
Refractory Severe Aplastic Anemia
Use the lowest dose of eltrombopag tablets to achieve and maintain a hematologic response. Dose adjustments are based upon the platelet count. Hematologic response requires dose titration, generally up to 150 mg, and may take up to 16 weeks after starting eltrombopag tablets [see Clinical Studies (14.3)].
Initial Dose Regimen: Initiate eltrombopag tablets at a dose of 50 mg orally once daily.
For patients with severe aplastic anemia of East-/Southeast-Asian ancestry or those with mild, moderate, or severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class A, B, C), initiate eltrombopag tablets at a reduced dose of 25 mg orally once daily [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6, 8.7), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Monitoring and Dose Adjustment: Adjust the dose of eltrombopag tablets in 50 mg increments every 2 weeks as necessary to achieve the target platelet count greater than or equal to 50 x 109/L as necessary. Do not exceed a dose of 150 mg daily. Monitor clinical hematology and liver tests regularly throughout therapy with eltrombopag tablets and modify the dosage regimen of eltrombopag tablets based on platelet counts as outlined in Table 7.
Platelet count result | Dose adjustment or response |
< 50 x 109/L following at least 2 weeks of eltrombopag tablets | Increase daily dose by 50 mg to a maximum of 150 mg/day. For patients taking 25 mg once daily, increase the dose to 50 mg daily before increasing the dose amount by 50 mg. |
≥ 200 x 109/L to ≤ 400 x 109/L at any time | Decrease the daily dose by 50 mg. Wait 2 weeks to assess the effects of this and any subsequent dose adjustments. |
> 400 x 109/L | Stop eltrombopag tablets for 1 week. Once the platelet count is < 150 x 109/L, reinitiate therapy at a dose reduced by 50 mg. |
> 400 x 109/L after 2 weeks of therapy at lowest dose of eltrombopag tablets | Discontinue eltrombopag tablets. |
For patients who achieve tri-lineage response, including transfusion independence, lasting at least 8 weeks: the dose of eltrombopag tablets may be reduced by 50% [see Clinical Studies (14.3)]. If counts remain stable after 8 weeks at the reduced dose, then discontinue eltrombopag tablets and monitor blood counts. If platelet counts drop to less than 30 x 109/L, hemoglobin to less than 9 g/dL, or absolute neutrophil count (ANC) to less than 0.5 x 109/L, eltrombopag tablets may be reinitiated at the previous effective dose.
Discontinuation: If no hematologic response has occurred after 16 weeks of therapy with eltrombopag tablets, discontinue therapy. If new cytogenetic abnormalities are observed, consider discontinuation of eltrombopag tablets [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Excessive platelet count responses (as outlined in Table 7) or important liver test abnormalities also necessitate discontinuation of eltrombopag tablets [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Administration of Tablets: Take eltrombopag tablets without a meal or with a meal low in calcium (≤ 50 mg). Take eltrombopag tablets at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after other medications (e.g., antacids), calcium-rich foods (containing > 50 mg calcium e.g., dairy products, calcium-fortified juices, and certain fruits and vegetables), or supplements containing polyvalent cations, such as iron, calcium, aluminum, magnesium, selenium, and zinc [see Drug Interactions (7.1), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Do not split, chew, or crush tablets and mix with food or liquids.
Tablets
None.
In patients with chronic hepatitis C, eltrombopag in combination with interferon and ribavirin may increase the risk of hepatic decompensation. In two controlled clinical trials in patients with chronic hepatitis C and thrombocytopenia, ascites and encephalopathy occurred more frequently on the arm receiving treatment with eltrombopag plus antivirals (7%) than the placebo plus antivirals arm (4%). Patients with low albumin levels (less than 3.5 g/dL) or Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score greater than or equal to 10 at baseline had a greater risk for hepatic decompensation on the arm receiving treatment with eltrombopag plus antivirals. Discontinue eltrombopag if antiviral therapy is discontinued.
Eltrombopag may increase the risk of severe and potentially life-threatening hepatotoxicity [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Eleven patients (1%) with chronic hepatitis C treated with eltrombopag in clinical trials experienced drug-induced liver injury.
Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C-associated Thrombocytopenia, and Refractory Severe Aplastic Anemia
Measure serum ALT, AST, and bilirubin prior to initiation of eltrombopag, every 2 weeks during the dose adjustment phase, and monthly following establishment of a stable dose [see Drug Interactions (7.5)]. Eltrombopag inhibits UDP- glucuronosyltransferase (UGT)1A1 and organic anion-transporting polypeptide (OATP)1B1, which may lead to indirect hyperbilirubinemia. If bilirubin is elevated, perform fractionation. Evaluate abnormal serum liver tests with repeat testing within 3 to 5 days. If the abnormalities are confirmed, monitor serum liver tests weekly until resolved or stabilized. Discontinue eltrombopag if ALT levels increase to greater than or equal to 3 x ULN in patients with normal liver function or greater than or equal to 3 x baseline (or greater than 5 x ULN, whichever is the lower) in patients with pre-treatment elevations in transaminases and are:
If the potential benefit for reinitiating treatment with eltrombopag is considered to outweigh the risk for hepatotoxicity, then consider cautiously reintroducing eltrombopag and measure serum liver tests weekly during the dose adjustment phase. Hepatotoxicity may reoccur if eltrombopag is reinitiated. If liver test abnormalities persist, worsen, or recur, then permanently discontinue eltrombopag.
First-Line Treatment of Severe Aplastic Anemia
Measure ALT, AST, and bilirubin prior to initiation of eltrombopag, every other day while hospitalized for h- ATG therapy, and then every 2 weeks during treatment. During treatment, manage increases in ALT or AST levels as recommended in Table 6.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial in patients with International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) intermediate-1, intermediate-2 or high risk MDS with thrombocytopenia, receiving azacitidine in combination with either eltrombopag (n = 179) or placebo (n = 177) was terminated due to lack of efficacy and safety reasons, including increased progression to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Patients received eltrombopag or placebo at a starting dose of 200 mg once daily, up to a maximum of 300 mg once daily, in combination with azacitidine for at least six cycles. The incidence of death (overall survival) was 32% (57/179) in the eltrombopag arm versus 29% (51/177) in the placebo arm (HR [95% CI] = 1.42 [0.97, 2.08], showing an increased relative risk of death in this trial by 42% in the eltrombopag arm). The incidence of progression to AML was 12% (21/179) in the eltrombopag arm versus 6% (10/177) in the placebo arm (HR [95% CI] = 2.66 [1.31, 5.41], showing an increased relative risk of progression to AML in this trial by 166% in the eltrombopag arm).
Thrombotic/thromboembolic complications may result from increases in platelet counts with eltrombopag. Reported thrombotic/thromboembolic complications included both venous and arterial events and were observed at low and at normal platelet counts.
Consider the potential for an increased risk of thromboembolism when administering eltrombopag to patients with known risk factors for thromboembolism (e.g., Factor V Leiden, ATIII deficiency, antiphospholipid syndrome, chronic liver disease). To minimize the risk for thrombotic/thromboembolic complications, do not use eltrombopag in an attempt to normalize platelet counts. Follow the dose adjustment guidelines to achieve and maintain target platelet counts [see Dosage and Administration (2.2, 2.3)].
In two controlled clinical trials in patients with chronic hepatitis C and thrombocytopenia, 3% (31/955) treated with eltrombopag experienced a thrombotic event compared with 1% (5/484) on placebo. The majority of events were of the portal venous system (1% in patients treated with eltrombopag versus less than 1% for placebo).
In a controlled trial in patients with chronic liver disease and thrombocytopenia not related to ITP undergoing elective invasive procedures (N = 292), the risk of thrombotic events was increased in patients treated with 75 mg of eltrombopag once daily. Seven thrombotic complications (six patients) were reported in the group that received eltrombopag and three thrombotic complications were reported in the placebo group (two patients). All of the thrombotic complications reported in the group that received eltrombopag were portal vein thrombosis (PVT). Symptoms of PVT included abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Five of the six patients in the group that received eltrombopag experienced a thrombotic complication within 30 days of completing treatment with eltrombopag and at a platelet count above 200 x 109/L. The risk of portal venous thrombosis was increased in thrombocytopenic patients with chronic liver disease treated with 75 mg of eltrombopag once daily for 2 weeks in preparation for invasive procedures.
In the two controlled clinical trials in patients with chronic hepatitis C and thrombocytopenia, cataracts developed or worsened in 8% of patients treated with eltrombopag and 5% of patients treated with placebo.
Cataracts were observed in toxicology studies of eltrombopag in rodents [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.2)]. Perform a baseline ocular examination prior to administration of eltrombopag and, during therapy with eltrombopag, regularly monitor patients for signs and symptoms of cataracts.
Eltrombopag is highly colored and can cause patient sample discoloration, which can interfere with some clinical laboratory tests. Inaccurate test results that are inconsistent with clinical observations may occur for multiple clinical chemistry tests including bilirubin and creatinine. In addition, other lab tests may be impacted, including but not limited to total protein and albumin, and incorrect test results may be generated if there is eltrombopag in the patient’s specimen. Communicate to the lab conducting the testing if your patient is taking eltrombopag. Re-testing using other methods may also help in determining the validity of the test results [see Drug Interactions (7.5)].
The following clinically significant adverse reactions associated with eltrombopag are described in other sections.
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared with rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
Chronic Hepatitis C-associated Thrombocytopenia: In the two placebo-controlled trials, 955 patients with chronic hepatitis C-associated thrombocytopenia received eltrombopag. Table 11 presents the most common adverse drug reactions (experienced by greater than or equal to 10% of patients receiving eltrombopag compared with placebo).
Adverse reaction | Eltrombopag + Peginterferon/Ribavirin n = 955 (%) | Placebo + Peginterferon/Ribavirin n = 484 (%) |
Anemia | 40 | 35 |
Pyrexia | 30 | 24 |
Fatigue | 28 | 23 |
Headache | 21 | 20 |
Nausea | 19 | 14 |
Diarrhea | 19 | 11 |
Decreased appetite | 18 | 14 |
Influenza-like illness | 18 | 16 |
Insomniaa | 16 | 15 |
Asthenia | 16 | 13 |
Cough | 15 | 12 |
Pruritus | 15 | 13 |
Chills | 14 | 9 |
Myalgia | 12 | 10 |
Alopecia | 10 | 6 |
Peripheral edema | 10 | 5 |
aIncludes PTs of insomnia, initial insomnia, and poor quality sleep. | ||
Rash was reported in 9% and 7% of patients receiving eltrombopag and placebo, respectively.
In the two controlled clinical trials in patients with chronic hepatitis C, hyperbilirubinemia was reported in 8% of patients receiving eltrombopag compared with 3% for placebo. Total bilirubin greater than or equal to 1.5 x ULN was reported in 76% and 50% of patients receiving eltrombopag and placebo, respectively. ALT or AST greater than or equal to 3 x ULN was reported in 34% and 38% of patients for eltrombopag and placebo, respectively.
In the two controlled clinical trials in patients with chronic hepatitis C, cataracts developed or worsened in 8% of patients treated with eltrombopag and 5% of patients treated with placebo.
The safety of eltrombopag was also assessed in all patients treated with eltrombopag in the two controlled trials, including patients who initially received eltrombopag in the pre-antiviral treatment phase of the trial and were later randomized to the placebo arm (N = 1,520 eltrombopag-treated patients). Hepatic failure was reported in 0.8% of eltrombopag-treated patients and 0.4% of placebo-treated patients.
Severe Aplastic Anemia
First-Line Treatment of Severe Aplastic Anemia
The safety of eltrombopag was established based upon a single-arm trial of 153 patients with severe aplastic anemia who had not received prior definitive immunosuppressive therapy. In this trial, eltrombopag was administered in combination with horse antithymocyte globulin (h-ATG) and cyclosporine [see Clinical Studies (14.3)]. Among the 153 patients who were dosed in this trial, 92 patients were evaluable for safety of the concurrent use of eltrombopag, h-ATG, and cyclosporine at the recommended dose and schedule.
In this cohort, eltrombopag was administered at up to 150 mg once daily on Day 1 to Month 6 (D1-M6) in combination with h-ATG on Days 1 to 4 and cyclosporine for 6 months, followed by low dose of cyclosporine (maintenance dose) for an additional 18 months for patients who achieved a hematologic response at 6 months. The median duration of exposure to eltrombopag in this cohort was 183 days with 70% of patients exposed for > 24 weeks.
Table 12 presents the most common adverse reactions (experienced by greater than or equal to 5% of patients) associated with eltrombopag in the D1-M6 cohort.
Adverse reaction | Eltrombopag n = 92 (%) |
ALT increased | 29 |
AST increased | 17 |
Blood bilirubin increased | 17 |
Rash | 8 |
Skin discoloration, including hyperpigmentation | 5 |
Abbreviations: ALT, alanine aminotransferase; AST, aspartate aminotransferase. | |
In the eltrombopag D1-M6 cohort, ALT increased (29%), AST increased (17%), and blood bilirubin increased (17%) were reported more frequently than in patients with refractory severe aplastic anemia (see Table 13).
New or worsening liver function laboratory abnormalities (CTCAE Grade 3 and Grade 4) in the eltrombopag D1-M6 cohort were 15% and 2% for AST, 26% and 4% for ALT, and 12% and 1% for bilirubin, respectively.
In this single-arm open-label clinical trial, ALT or AST > 3 x ULN with total bilirubin > 1.5 x ULN and ALT or AST > 3 x ULN with total bilirubin > 2 x ULN were reported in 44% and 32% of patients, respectively, in the eltrombopag D1-M6 cohort.
Pediatric Patients
A total of 34 pediatric patients (2 patients 2 to 5 years of age, 12 patients 6 to 11 years of age, and 20 patients 12 to 16 years of age) were enrolled in this single-arm trial of which 26 pediatric patients were enrolled in the eltrombopag D1-M6 cohort. In this cohort, the most frequent serious adverse reactions (experienced by ≥ 10% of patients) were upper respiratory tract infection (12% in patients age 2 to 16 years compared to 5% in patients 17 years of age and older, respectively) and rash (12% compared to 2%). The most common adverse reactions (experienced by ≥ 10% of patients) associated with eltrombopag were ALT increased (23% in patients age 2 to 16 years compared to 32% in patients 17 years of age and older, respectively), blood bilirubin increased (12% compared to 20%), AST increased (12% compared to 20%), and rash (12% compared to 6%).
Cytogenetic Abnormalities
In this trial, patients had bone marrow aspirates evaluated for cytogenetic abnormalities. Seven patients in the eltrombopag D1-M6 cohort had a new cytogenetic abnormality reported of which 4 had the loss of chromosome 7; these 4 occurred within 6.1 months. Across all cohorts, clonal cytogenetic evolution occurred in 15 out of 153 (10%) patients. Of the 15 patients who experienced a cytogenetic abnormality: 7 patients had the loss of chromosome 7, 6 of which occurred within 6.1 months; 4 patients had chromosomal aberrations which were of unclear significance; 3 patients had a deletion of chromosome 13; and 1 patient had a follow-up bone marrow assessment at 5 years with features of dysplasia with hypercellularity concerning for potential development of MDS. It is unclear whether these findings occurred due to the underlying disease, the immunosuppressive therapy, and/or treatment with eltrombopag.
Refractory Severe Aplastic Anemia
In the single-arm, open-label trial, 43 patients with refractory severe aplastic anemia received eltrombopag. Eleven patients (26%) were treated for greater than 6 months and 7 patients (16%) were treated for greater than 1 year. The most common adverse reactions (greater than or equal to 20%) were nausea, fatigue, cough, diarrhea, and headache.
Adverse reaction | Eltrombopag n = 43 (%) |
Nausea | 33 |
Fatigue | 28 |
Cough | 23 |
Diarrhea | 21 |
Headache | 21 |
Pain in extremity | 19 |
Pyrexia | 14 |
Dizziness | 14 |
Oropharyngeal pain | 14 |
Abdominal pain | 12 |
Muscle spasms | 12 |
Transaminases increased | 12 |
Arthralgia | 12 |
Rhinorrhea | 12 |
Rash and hyperbilirubinemia were reported in 7% of patients; cataract was reported in 2% of patients.
In this trial, concurrent ALT or AST greater than 3 x ULN with total bilirubin greater than 1.5 x ULN were reported in 5% of patients. Total bilirubin greater than 1.5 x ULN occurred in 14% of patients.
In this trial, patients had bone marrow aspirates evaluated for cytogenetic abnormalities. Eight patients had a new cytogenetic abnormality reported on therapy, including 5 patients who had complex changes in chromosome 7.
The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of eltrombopag. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate the frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Skin discoloration, including hyperpigmentation and skin yellowing.
Eltrombopag chelates polyvalent cations (such as iron, calcium, aluminum, magnesium, selenium, and zinc) in foods, mineral supplements, and antacids.
Take eltrombopag at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after any medications or products containing polyvalent cations, such as antacids, dairy products, and mineral supplements to avoid significant reduction in absorption of eltrombopag due to chelation [see Dosage and Administration (2.4), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Use caution when concomitantly administering eltrombopag and drugs that are substrates of OATP1B1 (e.g., atorvastatin, bosentan, ezetimibe, fluvastatin, glyburide, olmesartan, pitavastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, repaglinide, rifampin, simvastatin acid, SN-38 [active metabolite of irinotecan], valsartan) or breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) (e.g., imatinib, irinotecan, lapatinib, methotrexate, mitoxantrone, rosuvastatin, sulfasalazine, topotecan). Monitor patients closely for signs and symptoms of excessive exposure to the drugs that are substrates of OATP1B1 or BCRP and consider reduction of the dose of these drugs, if appropriate. In clinical trials with eltrombopag, a dose reduction of rosuvastatin by 50% was recommended.
HIV Protease Inhibitors: No dose adjustment is recommended when eltrombopag is coadministered with lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/RTV). Drug interactions with other HIV protease inhibitors have not been evaluated.
Hepatitis C Virus Protease Inhibitors: No dose adjustments are recommended when eltrombopag is coadministered with boceprevir or telaprevir. Drug interactions with other hepatitis C virus (HCV) protease inhibitors have not been evaluated.
No dose adjustments are recommended when eltrombopag is coadministered with peginterferon alfa-2a (PEGASYS®) or -2b (PEGINTRON®).
Eltrombopag is highly colored and can cause patient sample discoloration, which is reported to interfere with some clinical laboratory tests, including, but not limited to bilirubin and creatinine.
Bilirubin Testing: Eltrombopag can cause both positive and negative interference with bilirubin assays. If the laboratory results for bilirubin are inconsistent with clinical observations, further evaluation of liver function should be performed to clarify the clinical status of the patient. Evaluating contemporaneous aminotransferase values (AST, ALT) may help determine the validity of normal total bilirubin levels in the presence of clinical jaundice.
Creatinine Testing: Eltrombopag can cause positive interference with creatinine measurements, leading to falsely elevated creatinine levels. In the event of an unexpected serum creatinine test result, further evaluation of renal function should be performed. Blood urea should be evaluated if serum creatinine is unexpectedly high.
Communicate to the lab conducting testing if the patient is taking eltrombopag. Re-testing using other methods may also help in determining the validity of the test results.
Risk Summary
Available data from a small number of published case reports and postmarketing experience with eltrombopag use in pregnant women are insufficient to assess any drug-associated risks for major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. In animal reproduction and developmental toxicity studies, oral administration of eltrombopag to pregnant rats during organogenesis resulted in embryolethality and reduced fetal weights at maternally toxic doses. These effects were observed at doses resulting in exposures that were three times the human clinical exposure based on area under the curve (AUC) in patients with chronic hepatitis C at 100 mg/day (see Data).
The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and of miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.
Data
Animal Data
In an early embryonic development study, female rats received oral eltrombopag at doses of 10, 20, or 60 mg/kg/day (0.3, 1, and 3 times, respectively, the human clinical exposure based on AUC in patients with chronic hepatitis C at 100 mg/day). Increased pre- and post-implantation loss and reduced fetal weight were observed at the highest dose which also caused maternal toxicity.
In an embryo-fetal development study eltrombopag was administered orally to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis at doses of 10, 20, or 60 mg/kg/day (0.02, 0.1, and 0.3, 1, and 3 times, respectively, the human clinical exposure based on AUC in patients with chronic hepatitis C at 100 mg/day). Decreased fetal weights (6% to 7%) and a slight increase in the presence of cervical ribs were observed at the highest dose which also caused maternal toxicity. However, no evidence of major structural malformations was observed.
In an embryo-fetal development study eltrombopag was administered orally to pregnant rabbits during the period of organogenesis at doses of 30, 80, or 150 mg/kg/day (0.3 times, respectively, the human clinical exposure based on AUC in patients with chronic hepatitis C at 100 mg/day). No evidence of fetotoxicity, embryolethality, or teratogenicity was observed.
In a pre- and post-natal developmental toxicity study in pregnant rats (F0), oral eltrombopag was administered from gestation Day 6 through lactation Day 20. No adverse effects on maternal reproductive function or on the development of the offspring (F1) were observed at doses up to 20 mg/kg/day (similar to the human clinical exposure based on AUC in patients with chronic hepatitis C at 100 mg/day). Eltrombopag was detected in the plasma of offspring (F1). The plasma concentrations in pups increased with dose following administration of drug to the F0 dams.
Risk Summary
There are no data regarding the presence of eltrombopag or its metabolites in human milk, the effects on the breastfed child, or the effects on milk production. However, eltrombopag was detected in the pups of lactating rats 10 days postpartum suggesting the potential for transfer during lactation. Due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in a breastfed child from eltrombopag, breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment.
Contraception
Based on animal reproduction studies, eltrombopag can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Sexually-active females of reproductive potential should use effective contraception (methods that result in less than 1% pregnancy rates) when using eltrombopag during treatment and for at least 7 days after stopping treatment with eltrombopag.
The safety and efficacy of eltrombopag have been established in pediatric patients 2 years and older with IST-naïve severe aplastic anemia (in combination with h-ATG and cyclosporine). Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients below the age of 1 year with ITP have not been established. Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients with thrombocytopenia associated with chronic hepatitis C and refractory severe aplastic anemia have not been established.
The safety and efficacy of eltrombopag in combination with h-ATG and cyclosporine for the first-line treatment of severe aplastic anemia in pediatric patients 2 years and older were evaluated in a single-arm, open- label trial [see Adverse Reactions (6.1), Clinical Studies (14.3)]. A total of 26 pediatric patients (ages 2 to < 17 years) were evaluated; 12 children (aged 2 to < 12 years) and 14 adolescents (aged 12 to < 17). See Dosage and Administration (2.3) for dosing recommendations for pediatric patients 2 years and older. The safety and efficacy of eltrombopag in combination with h-ATG and cyclosporine in pediatric patients younger than 2 years for the first-line treatment of severe aplastic anemia have not yet been established. In patients 2 to 16 years of age, 69% of patients experienced serious adverse events compared to 42% in patients 17 years and older. Among the 12 patients who were 2 to 11 years of age in the eltrombopag D1-M6 cohort and reached the 6-month assessment or withdrew earlier, the complete response rate at Month 6 was 8% versus 46% in patients age 12 to 16 years and 50% in patients 17 years of age and older.
Of the 1,439 patients in two randomized clinical trials of eltrombopag in patients with chronic hepatitis C and thrombocytopenia, 7% were 65 years of age and over, while < 1% were 75 years of age and over. Of the 196 patients who received eltrombopag for the treatment of severe aplastic anemia, 18% were 65 years of age and over, while 3% were 75 years of age and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these patients and younger patients.
Patients with Severe Aplastic Anemia
Reduce the initial dose of eltrombopag in patients with refractory severe aplastic anemia who also have hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class A, B, C) [see Dosage and Administration (2.3), Warnings and Precautions (5.2), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
In a clinical trial in patients with severe aplastic anemia who had not received prior definitive immunosuppressive therapy, patients with baseline ALT or AST > 5 x ULN were ineligible to participate. If a patient with hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class A, B, C) initiates therapy with eltrombopag for the first-line treatment of severe aplastic anemia, reduce the initial dose [see Dosage and Administration (2.3), Warnings and Precautions (5.2), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C
No dosage adjustment is recommended in patients with chronic hepatitis C and hepatic impairment [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Reduce the initial dose of eltrombopag for patients of East-/Southeast-Asian ancestry with severe aplastic anemia [see Dosage and Administration (2.3), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. No reduction in the initial dose of eltrombopag is recommended in patients of East-/Southeast-Asian ancestry with chronic hepatitis C [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
In the event of overdose, platelet counts may increase excessively and result in thrombotic/thromboembolic complications.
In one report, a subject who ingested 5,000 mg of eltrombopag had a platelet count increase to a maximum of 929 x 109/L at 13 days following the ingestion. The patient also experienced rash, bradycardia, ALT/AST elevations, and fatigue. The patient was treated with gastric lavage, oral lactulose, intravenous fluids, omeprazole, atropine, furosemide, calcium, dexamethasone, and plasmapheresis; however, the abnormal platelet count and liver test abnormalities persisted for 3 weeks. After 2 months’ follow-up, all events had resolved without sequelae.
In case of an overdose, consider oral administration of a metal cation-containing preparation, such as calcium, aluminum, or magnesium preparations to chelate eltrombopag and thus limit absorption. Closely monitor platelet counts. Reinitiate treatment with eltrombopag in accordance with dosing and administration recommendations [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)]. Consider contacting the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) or a medical toxicologist for additional overdose management recommendations.
Eltrombopag tablets contain eltrombopag olamine, a small molecule thrombopoietin (TPO) receptor agonist for oral administration.
Eltrombopag olamine is a biphenyl hydrazone. The chemical name for eltrombopag olamine is 3'-{(2Z)-2-[1- (3,4-dimethylphenyl)-3-methyl-5-oxo-1,5-dihydro-4H-pyrazol-4-ylidene]hydrazino}-2'-hydroxy-3- biphenylcarboxylic acid - 2-aminoethanol (1:2). It has the molecular formula C25H22N4O4 • 2(C2H7NO). The molecular weight is 564.65 g/mol for eltrombopag olamine and 442.5 g/mol for eltrombopag free acid. Eltrombopag olamine has the following structural formula:
Structure (Image 1)
Eltrombopag olamine is practically insoluble in aqueous buffer across a pH range of 1 to 7.4, and is sparingly soluble in water.
Eltrombopag tablets contain eltrombopag olamine in the amount equivalent to 12.5 mg, 25 mg, or 75 mg of eltrombopag free acid. The inactive ingredients of eltrombopag tablets are: Tablet Core: colloidal silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone K-30, and sodium starch glycolate type B (potato). Coating and Ink: hypromellose 2910, iron oxide black, polyethylene glycol 400, propylene glycol, and titanium dioxide. The 25 mg tablets also contain FD&C Yellow No. 6. The 75 mg tablets also contain iron oxide red.
Eltrombopag is a TPO-receptor agonist that interacts with the transmembrane domain of the human TPO- receptor (also known as cMpl) and initiates signaling cascades that induce proliferation and differentiation of megakaryocytes leading to increased platelet production.
In clinical trials, treatment with eltrombopag resulted in dose-dependent increases in platelet counts following repeated (daily) dosing. The increase in platelet counts reached a maximum approximately two weeks after the initiation of dosing, and returned to baseline within approximately two weeks after the last dose of eltrombopag.
Cardiac Electrophysiology
At doses up to 150 mg (the maximum recommended dose) daily for 5 days, eltrombopag did not prolong the QT/QTc interval to any relevant extent.
Eltrombopag demonstrated a dose-proportional increase in exposure between doses of 50 to 150 mg/day in healthy adult subjects. Eltrombopag AUC was approximately 2.8-fold higher in patients with HCV compared to healthy subjects. Steady-state was achieved after approximately 1 week of once daily treatment, with geometric mean accumulation ratio of 1.56 (90% confidence interval 1.20, 1.63) at 75 mg/day. Eltrombopag AUC was approximately 3.2-fold higher in patients with definitive immunosuppressive therapy-naïve severe aplastic anemia compared to healthy subjects suggesting higher relative exposure compared to healthy subjects and similar exposure compared to patients with chronic hepatitis C. Eltrombopag for oral suspension delivered 22% higher plasma AUC0-INF than the tablet formulation.
Absorption
Eltrombopag is absorbed with a peak concentration occurring 2 to 6 hours after oral administration.
Oral absorption of drug-related material following administration of a single 75 mg solution dose was estimated to be at least 52%.
Effect of Food
A standard high-fat breakfast (876 calories, 52 g fat, 71 g carbohydrate, 34 g protein, and 427 mg calcium) significantly decreased plasma eltrombopag AUC0-INF by approximately 59% and Cmax by 65% and delayed Tmax by 1 hour. The decrease in exposure is primarily due to the high calcium content.
A meal low in calcium (≤ 50 mg calcium) did not significantly impact plasma eltrombopag exposure, regardless of calorie and fat content.
The effect of administration of a single 25 mg dose of eltrombopag for oral suspension with a high-calcium, moderate-fat, moderate calorie meal on AUC0-INF and Cmax in healthy adult subjects is presented in Table 14.
| Table 14. Effect on Plasma Eltrombopag Pharmacokinetic Parameters After Administration of a Single 25 mg Dose of Eltrombopag for Oral Suspension with a High Calcium Meala in Healthy Adult Subjects | ||
Timing of eltrombopag for oral suspension dose | Mean (90% CI) reduction in plasma eltrombopag AUC0-INF | Mean (90% CI) reduction in plasma eltrombopag Cmax |
With a high-calcium, moderate-fat, moderate-calorie meal | 75% (71%, 88%) | 79% (76%, 82%) |
2 hours after the high-calcium, moderate-fat, moderate-calorie meal | 47% (40%, 53%) | 48% (40%, 54%) |
2 hours before the high-calcium, moderate-fat, moderate-calorie meal | 20% (9%, 29%) | 14% (2%, 25%) |
| a372 calories, 9 g fat, and 448 mg calcium. | ||
Distribution
The concentration of eltrombopag in blood cells is approximately 50% to 79% of plasma concentrations based on a radiolabel study. In vitro studies suggest that eltrombopag is highly bound to human plasma proteins (greater than 99%). Eltrombopag is a substrate of BCRP, but is not a substrate for P-glycoprotein (P-gp) or OATP1B1.
Elimination
The plasma elimination half-life of eltrombopag is approximately 21 to 32 hours in healthy subjects.
Metabolism: Absorbed eltrombopag is extensively metabolized, predominantly through pathways, including cleavage, oxidation, and conjugation with glucuronic acid, glutathione, or cysteine. In vitro studies suggest that CYP1A2 and CYP2C8 are responsible for the oxidative metabolism of eltrombopag. UGT1A1 and UGT1A3 are responsible for the glucuronidation of eltrombopag.
Excretion: The predominant route of eltrombopag excretion is via feces (59%), and 31% of the dose is found in the urine. Unchanged eltrombopag in feces accounts for approximately 20% of the dose; unchanged eltrombopag is not detectable in urine.
Specific Populations
Ethnicity
Eltrombopag concentrations in East-/Southeast-Asian ancestry patients with chronic hepatitis C were 50% to 55% higher compared with non-Asian subjects [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].
Eltrombopag exposure in healthy African-American subjects was approximately 40% higher than that observed in Caucasian subjects in one clinical pharmacology trial and similar in three other clinical pharmacology trials. The effect of African-American ethnicity on exposure and related safety and efficacy of eltrombopag has not been established.
Hepatic Impairment
Following a single dose of eltrombopag (50 mg), plasma eltrombopag AUC0-INF was 41% higher in patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class A) compared with subjects with normal hepatic function. Plasma eltrombopag AUC0-INF was approximately 2-fold higher in patients with moderate (Child-Pugh class B) and severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class C) compared with subjects with normal hepatic function. The half-life of eltrombopag was prolonged 2-fold in these patients. This clinical trial did not evaluate protein- binding effects.
Chronic Liver Disease
Following repeat doses of eltrombopag in patients with thrombocytopenia and with chronic liver disease, mild hepatic impairment resulted in an 87% to 110% higher plasma eltrombopag AUC(0-τ) and moderate hepatic impairment resulted in approximately 141% to 240% higher plasma eltrombopag AUC(0-τ) values compared with patients with normal hepatic function. The half-life of eltrombopag was prolonged 3-fold in patients with mild hepatic impairment and 4-fold in patients with moderate hepatic impairment. This clinical trial did not evaluate protein-binding effects.
Chronic Hepatitis C
Patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with eltrombopag had higher plasma AUC(0-τ) values as compared with healthy subjects, and AUC(0-τ) increased with increasing Child-Pugh score. Patients with chronic hepatitis C and mild hepatic impairment had approximately 100% to 144% higher plasma AUC(0-τ) compared with healthy subjects. This clinical trial did not evaluate protein-binding effects.
Renal Impairment
Following a single dose of eltrombopag (50 mg), the average total plasma eltrombopag AUC0-INF was 32% to 36% lower in subjects with mild (estimated creatinine clearance (CLCr) by Cockcroft-Gault equation: 50 to 80 mL/min), to moderate (CLCr of 30 to 49 mL/min) renal impairment and 60% lower in subjects with severe (CLCr less than 30 mL/min) renal impairment compared with healthy subjects. The effect of renal impairment on unbound (active) eltrombopag exposure has not been assessed.
Drug Interaction Studies
Clinical Studies
Effect of Drugs on Eltrombopag
Effect of Polyvalent Cation-containing Antacids on Eltrombopag:
The coadministration of a single dose of eltrombopag (75 mg) with a polyvalent cation-containing antacid (1,524 mg aluminum hydroxide, 1,425 mg magnesium carbonate, and sodium alginate) decreased plasma eltrombopag AUC0-INF and Cmax by approximately 70%. The contribution of sodium alginate to this interaction is not known.
Effect of HIV Protease Inhibitors on Eltrombopag:
The coadministration of repeat-dose lopinavir 400 mg/ritonavir 100 mg (twice daily) with a single dose of eltrombopag (100 mg) decreased plasma eltrombopag AUC0-INF by 17%.
Effect of HCV Protease Inhibitors on Eltrombopag:
The coadministration of repeat-dose telaprevir (750 mg every 8 hours) or boceprevir (800 mg every 8 hours) with a single dose of eltrombopag (200 mg) to healthy adult subjects in a clinical trial did not alter plasma eltrombopag AUC0-INF or Cmax to a significant extent.
Effect of Cyclosporine on Eltrombopag:
The coadministration of a single dose of eltrombopag (50 mg) with a single dose of an OATP and BCRP inhibitor cyclosporine (200 mg or 600 mg) decreased plasma eltrombopag AUC0-INF by 18% to 24% and Cmax by 25% to 39%.
Effect of Pegylated Interferon alfa-2a + Ribavirin and Pegylated Interferon alfa-2b + Ribavirin on Eltrombopag:
The presence of pegylated interferon alfa + ribavirin therapy did not significantly affect the clearance of eltrombopag.
Effect of Eltrombopag on Other Drugs
Effect of Eltrombopag on Cytochrome P450 Enzymes Substrates:
The coadministration of multiple doses of eltrombopag (75 mg once daily for 7 days) did not result in the inhibition or induction of the metabolism of a combination of probe substrates for CYP1A2 (caffeine), CYP2C19 (omeprazole), CYP2C9 (flurbiprofen), or CYP3A4 (midazolam) in humans.
Effect of Eltrombopag on Rosuvastatin:
The coadministration of multiple doses of eltrombopag (75 mg once daily for 5 days) with a single dose of rosuvastatin (OATP1B1 and BCRP substrate; 10 mg) increased plasma rosuvastatin AUC0-INF by 55% and Cmax by 103%.
Effect of Eltrombopag on HCV Protease Inhibitors:
The coadministration of repeat-dose telaprevir (750 mg every 8 hours) or boceprevir (800 mg every 8 hours) with a single dose of eltrombopag (200 mg) to healthy adult subjects in a clinical trial did not alter plasma telaprevir or boceprevir AUC0-INF or Cmax to a significant extent.
In vitro Studies
Eltrombopag Effect on Metabolic Enzymes
Eltrombopag has demonstrated the potential to inhibit CYP2C8, CYP2C9, UGT1A1, UGT1A3, UGT1A4, UGT1A6, UGT1A9, UGT2B7, and UGT2B15.
Eltrombopag Effect on Transporters
Eltrombopag has demonstrated the potential to inhibit OATP1B1 and BCRP.
Eltrombopag does not stimulate platelet production in rats, mice, or dogs because of unique TPO receptor specificity. Data from these animals do not fully model effects in humans.
Eltrombopag was not carcinogenic in mice at doses up to 75 mg/kg/day or in rats at doses up to 40 mg/kg/day (exposures up to 2 times the human clinical exposure based on AUC in patients with chronic hepatitis C at 100 mg/day).
Eltrombopag was not mutagenic or clastogenic in a bacterial mutation assay or in two in vivo assays in rats (micronucleus and unscheduled DNA synthesis, 7 times the human clinical exposure based on Cmax in patients with chronic hepatitis C at 100 mg/day). In the in vitro mouse lymphoma assay, eltrombopag was marginally positive (less than 3-fold increase in mutation frequency).
Eltrombopag did not affect female fertility in rats at doses up to 20 mg/kg/day (similar to the human clinical exposure based on AUC in patients with chronic hepatitis C at 100 mg/day). Eltrombopag did not affect male fertility in rats at doses up to 40 mg/kg/day, the highest dose tested (2 times the human clinical exposure based on AUC in patients with chronic hepatitis C at 100 mg/day).
Treatment-related cataracts were detected in rodents in a dose- and time-dependent manner. At greater than or equal to 3 times the human clinical exposure based on AUC in patients with chronic hepatitis C at 100 mg/day, cataracts were observed in mice after 6 weeks and in rats after 28 weeks of dosing. At greater than or equal to 2 times the human clinical exposure based on AUC in patients with chronic hepatitis C at 100 mg/day, cataracts were observed in mice after 13 weeks and in rats after 39 weeks of dosing [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].
Renal tubular toxicity was observed in studies up to 14 days in duration in mice and rats at exposures that were generally associated with morbidity and mortality. Tubular toxicity was also observed in a 2-year oral carcinogenicity study in mice at doses of 25, 75, and 150 mg/kg/day. The exposure at the lowest dose was 0.6 times the human clinical exposure based on AUC in patients with chronic hepatitis C at 100 mg/day. No similar effects were observed in mice after 13 weeks at exposures greater than those associated with renal changes in the 2-year study, suggesting that this effect is both dose- and time-dependent.
The efficacy and safety of eltrombopag for the treatment of thrombocytopenia in adult patients with chronic hepatitis C were evaluated in two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. The ENABLE1 study (NCT00516321) utilized peginterferon alfa-2a (PEGASYS®) plus ribavirin for antiviral treatment and the ENABLE2 study (NCT00529568) utilized peginterferon alfa-2b (PEGINTRON®) plus ribavirin. In both trials, patients with a platelet count of less than 75 x 109/L were enrolled and stratified by platelet count, screening HCV RNA, and HCV genotype. Patients were excluded if they had evidence of decompensated liver disease with Child-Pugh score greater than 6 (class B and C), history of ascites, or hepatic encephalopathy. The median age of the patients in both trials was 52 years, 63% were male, and 74% were Caucasian. Sixty-nine percent of patients had HCV genotypes 1, 4, 6, with the remainder genotypes 2 and 3. Approximately 30% of patients had been previously treated with interferon and ribavirin. The majority of patients (90%) had bridging fibrosis and cirrhosis, as indicated by noninvasive testing. A similar proportion (95%) of patients in both treatment groups had Child-Pugh class A (score 5 to 6) at baseline. A similar proportion of patients (2%) in both treatment groups had baseline international normalized ratio (INR) greater than 1.7. Median baseline platelet counts (approximately 60 x 109/L) were similar in both treatment groups. The trials consisted of 2 phases – a pre- antiviral treatment phase and an antiviral treatment phase. In the pre-antiviral treatment phase, patients received open-label eltrombopag to increase the platelet count to a threshold of greater than or equal to 90 x 109/L for ENABLE1 and greater than or equal to 100 x 109/L for ENABLE2. Eltrombopag was administered at an initial dose of 25 mg once daily for 2 weeks and increased in 25 mg increments over 2- to 3-week periods to achieve the optimal platelet count to initiate antiviral therapy. The maximal time patients could receive open-label eltrombopag was 9 weeks. If threshold platelet counts were achieved, patients were randomized (2:1) to the same dose of eltrombopag at the end of the pre-treatment phase or to placebo. Eltrombopag was administered in combination with pegylated interferon and ribavirin per their respective prescribing information for up to 48 weeks.
The efficacy of eltrombopag for both trials was evaluated by sustained virologic response (SVR) defined as the percentage of patients with undetectable HCV-RNA at 24 weeks after completion of antiviral treatment. The median time to achieve the target platelet count greater than or equal to 90 x 109/L was approximately 2 weeks. Ninety-five percent of patients were able to initiate antiviral therapy.
In both trials, a significantly greater proportion of patients treated with eltrombopag achieved SVR (see Table 20). The improvement in the proportion of patients who achieved SVR was consistent across subgroups based on baseline platelet count (less than 50 x 109/L versus greater than or equal to 50 x 109/L). In patients with high baseline viral loads (greater than or equal to 800,000), the SVR rate was 18% (82/452) for eltrombopag versus 8% (20/239) for placebo.
Pre-antiviral treatment phase | ENABLE1a | ENABLE2b | ||
n = 715 | n = 805 | |||
% Patients who achieved target platelet counts and initiated antiviral therapyc | 95% | 94% | ||
Antiviral treatment phase | Eltrombopag n = 450 % | Placebo n = 232 % | Eltrombopag n = 506 % | Placebo n = 253 % |
Overall SVRd HCV genotype 2, 3 HCV genotype 1, 4, 6 | 23 35 18 | 14 24 10 | 19 34 13 | 13 25 7 |
Abbreviation: HCV, hepatitis C virus. aEltrombopag given in combination with peginterferon alfa-2a (180 mcg once weekly for 48 weeks for genotypes 1/4/6; 24 weeks for genotype 2 or 3) plus ribavirin (800 to 1,200 mg daily in 2 divided doses orally). bEltrombopag given in combination with peginterferon alfa-2b (1.5 mcg/kg once weekly for 48 weeks for genotypes 1/4/6; 24 weeks for genotype 2 or 3) plus ribavirin (800 to 1,400 mg daily in 2 divided doses orally). cTarget platelet count was ≥ 90 x 109/L for ENABLE1 and ≥ 100 x 109/L for ENABLE2. dp-value < 0.05 for eltrombopag versus placebo. | ||||
The majority of patients treated with eltrombopag (76%) maintained a platelet count greater than or equal to 50 x 109/L compared with 19% for placebo. A greater proportion of patients on eltrombopag did not require any antiviral dose reduction as compared with placebo (45% versus 27%).
First-Line Treatment of Severe Aplastic Anemia
Eltrombopag in combination with h-ATG and cyclosporine was investigated in a single-arm, single-center, open-label sequential cohort trial (Study ETB115AUS01T, referred to as Study US01T [NCT01623167]) in patients with severe aplastic anemia who had not received prior immunosuppressive therapy (IST) with any ATG, alemtuzumab, or high dose cyclophosphamide. A total of 153 patients received eltrombopag in Study US01T in three sequential cohorts and an extension of the third cohort. The multiple cohorts received the same eltrombopag starting dose but differed by treatment start day and duration. The starting dose of eltrombopag for patients 12 years and older was 150 mg once daily (a reduced dose of 75 mg was administered for East-/Southeast-Asians), 75 mg once daily for pediatric patients aged 6 to 11 years (a reduced dose of 37.5 mg was administered for East-/Southeast-Asians), and 2.5 mg/kg once daily for pediatric patients aged 2 to 5 years (a reduced dose of 1.25 mg/kg was administered for East-/Southeast-Asians).
Eltrombopag dose reductions were conducted for elevated platelet counts and hepatic impairment. Table 21 includes the dosages of h-ATG and cyclosporine administered in combination with eltrombopag in Study US01T.
Data from the Cohort 3 + Extension cohort support the efficacy of eltrombopag for the first-line treatment of patients with severe aplastic anemia (Table 22). The results presented in this section represent the findings from the Cohort 3 and Extension cohort (n = 92).
Agent | Dose Administered in the Pivotal Trial |
Horse antithymocyte globulin (h-ATG) | 40 mg/kg/day, based on actual body weight, administered intravenously on Days 1 to 4 of the 6-month treatment period |
Cyclosporinea (therapeutic dose for 6 months, from Day 1 to Month 6, adjusted to obtain a target therapeutic trough level between | Patients 12 years and older (total daily dose of 6 mg/kg/day) 3 mg/kg, based on actual body weight, orally every 12 hours for 6 months, starting on Day 1 Patients > 20 years of age with a body mass index > 35 or patients 12 to 20 years of age with a body mass index > 95th percentile: 3 mg/kg, based on adjusted body weightb, orally every 12 hours for 6 months, starting on Day 1 Patients 2 to 11 years of age (total daily dose of 12 mg/kg/day) 6 mg/kg, based on actual body weight, orally every 12 hours for 6 months, starting on Day 1 Patients 2 to 11 years of age with a body mass index > 95th percentile: 6 mg/kg, based on adjusted body weightb, orally every 12 hours for 6 months, starting on Day 1 |
Cyclosporine (maintenance dose, from Month 6 to Month 24) | For patients who achieve a hematologic response at 6 months 2 mg/kg/day administered orally at a fixed dose for an additional 18 months |
aDose of cyclosporine was adjusted to achieve the above recommended target trough levels; refer to the appropriate cyclosporine prescribing information. b Calculated as the midpoint between the ideal body weight and actual body weight. | |
In the eltrombopag D1-M6 cohort, the median age was 28 years (range, 5 to 82 years) with 16% and 28% of patients ≥ 65 years of age and < 17 years of age, respectively. Forty-six percent of patients were male and the majority of patients were White (62%). Patients weighing 12 kg or less or patients with ALT or AST > 5x upper limit of normal were excluded from the trial.
The efficacy of eltrombopag in combination with h-ATG and cyclosporine was established on the basis of complete hematological response at 6 months. A complete response was defined as hematological parameters meeting all 3 of the following values on 2 consecutive serial blood count measurements at least one week apart: absolute neutrophil count (ANC) > 1,000/mcL, platelet count > 100 x 109/L and hemoglobin > 10 g/dL. A partial response was defined as blood counts no longer meeting the standard criteria for severe pancytopenia in severe aplastic anemia equivalent to 2 of the following values on 2 consecutive serial blood count measurements at least one week apart: ANC > 500/mcL, platelet count > 20 x 109/L, or reticulocyte count > 60,000/mcL. Overall response rate is defined as the number of partial responses plus complete responses.
Eltrombopag D1-M6 + h-ATG + cyclosporine | |
Month 6, na Overall response, n (%) [95% CI] Complete response, n (%) [95% CI] | 87 69 (79) [69, 87] 38 (44) [33, 55] |
Median duration of overall response, nb | 70 |
Months (95% CI) | 24.3 (21.4, NE) |
Median duration of complete response, nb | 46 |
Months (95% CI) | 24.3 (23.0, NE) |
Abbreviation: NE, not estimable. aThe number of patients who reached the 6-month assessment or withdrew earlier is the denominator for percentage calculation. bNumber of responders at any time. | |
The overall and complete hematological response rates at Year 1 (n = 78) are 56.4% and 38.5% and at Year 2 (n = 62) are 38.7% and 30.6%, respectively.
Pediatric Patients
Thirty-four patients 2 to 16 years of age were enrolled in Study US01T. In the D1-M6 cohort, 7 and 17 out of 25 pediatric patients achieved a complete and overall response, respectively, at 6 months.
Refractory Severe Aplastic Anemia
Eltrombopag was studied in a single-arm, single-center, open-label trial (Study ETB115AUS28T, referred to as Study US28T [NCT00922883]) in 43 patients with severe aplastic anemia who had an insufficient response to at least one prior immunosuppressive therapy and who had a platelet count less than or equal to 30 x 109/L. Eltrombopag was administered at an initial dose of 50 mg once daily for 2 weeks and increased over 2-week periods up to a maximum dose of 150 mg once daily. The efficacy of eltrombopag in the study was evaluated by the hematologic response assessed after 12 weeks of treatment. Hematologic response was defined as meeting 1 or more of the following criteria: 1) platelet count increases to 20 x 109/L above baseline, or stable platelet counts with transfusion independence for a minimum of 8 weeks; 2) hemoglobin increase by greater than 1.5 g/dL, or a reduction in greater than or equal to 4 units of red blood cell (RBC) transfusions for 8 consecutive weeks; 3) ANC increase of 100% or an ANC increase greater than 0.5 x 109/L. Eltrombopag was discontinued after 16 weeks if no hematologic response was observed. Patients who responded continued therapy in an extension phase of the trial.
The treated population had median age of 45 years (range, 17 to 77 years) and 56% were male. At baseline, the median platelet count was 20 x 109/L, hemoglobin was 8.4 g/dL, ANC was 0.58 x 109/L, and absolute reticulocyte count was 24.3 x 109/L. Eighty-six percent of patients were red blood cell (RBC) transfusion dependent and 91% were platelet transfusion dependent. The majority of patients (84%) received at least 2 prior immunosuppressive therapies. Three patients had cytogenetic abnormalities at baseline.
Table 23 presents the efficacy results.
Outcome | Eltrombopag n = 43 |
Response ratea, n (%) 95% CI (%) | 17 (40) (25, 56) |
Median of duration of response in months (95% CI) | NRb (3.0, NRb) |
aIncludes single- and multi-lineage. bNR = not reached due to few events (relapsed). | |
In the 17 responders, the platelet transfusion-free period ranged from 8 to 1,096 days with a median of 200 days, and the RBC transfusion-free period ranged from 15 to 1,082 days with a median of 208 days.
In the extension phase, 8 patients achieved a multi-lineage response; 4 of these patients subsequently tapered off treatment with eltrombopag and maintained the response (median follow-up: 8.1 months, range, 7.2 to 10.6 months).
Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Dispense in original bottle.
Advise the patient or caregiver to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide).
Prior to treatment, patients should fully understand and be informed of the following risks and considerations for eltrombopag tablets:
Risks
Hepatotoxicity
Risk of Bleeding Upon Eltrombopag Tablets Discontinuation
Thrombotic/Thromboembolic Complications
Cataracts
Drug Interactions
Lactation
Administration of Eltrombopag Tablets
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Manufactured For:
Teva Pharmaceuticals
Parsippany, NJ 07054
Iss. 12/2025
NDC 0480-4015-56
Eltrombopag Tablets
12.5 mg
Swallow tablets whole. Do not split, chew, or crush tablets.
PHARMACIST: Dispense the accompanying Medication Guide to each patient.
Rx only
30 Tablets
Label, 12.5 mg, 30s (Image 2)
NDC 0480-4210-56
Eltrombopag Tablets
25 mg
Swallow tablets whole. Do not split, chew, or crush tablets.
PHARMACIST: Dispense the accompanying Medication Guide to each patient.
Rx only
30 Tablets
Label, 25 mg, 30s (Image 3)
NDC 0480-4031-56
Eltrombopag Tablets
75 mg
Swallow tablets whole. Do not split, chew, or crush tablets.
PHARMACIST: Dispense the accompanying Medication Guide to each patient.
Rx only
30 Tablets
Label, 75 mg, 30s (Image 4)
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