Revolade

[Deniss]

Hi! Today I got the first 50 mg of Revolade! I read about the possible side effects can be Rectosigmoid cancer! I'm so scared about this! Did you heard about that? I don't know what to do! Should I stop the administration of Revolade???

[LifeafterITP]

I have been on 50mg / day of Revolade (Eltrombopag) for the last 2 1/2 years. It keeps my Platelets at a safe level and allows me to have a normal active live. If I was not taking a tablet at night I would probably forget I had ITP.

If you read the safety leaflet that comes with the tablets there is a list of side effects. It lists very common, common and uncommon side effects. You should read the leaflet and be aware of any side effects when taking any drug then weigh the risks with the benefits. You have to remember that even a packet of asprin comes with a list of possible side effects.

Rectal cancer is listed under one of the uncommon side effects. It's probably best not to focus or worry about one of the uncommon listed side effects but just be aware of all the possible effects and discuss them with your doctor at your next appointment. The only side effects my doctor made me aware of was increase in some liver enzymes which he is always checking for in my regular blood tests. Also fibrosis of the bone marrow which he said would be more difficult to spot. He also said he has many patients on Revolade (Eltrombopag) all with out any major problems.

Would I prefer not to be taking any drug, definitely, but it's my best option at the moment.

[kausruch in reply to LifeafterITP]

Hi, I am also taking Revolade 25mg but am not aware of the test you mentioned to check the enzymes. Can you please name the test and the specific parameter that is being monitored?

[LifeafterITP in reply to kausruch]

I currently see the Hospital haematologist every 6 months and I see the nurse at my local doctors surgery every 2 months for a blood test. The safety leaflet in the Revolade (Eltrombopag) box mentions the possible effects on your Liver in a couple of places. It also states " You will have a blood test to check your Liver function before you start taking Revolade and at intervals while you are taking it ".

At one of my 6 monthly visits to the haematologist he told me he had seen one of my liver enzymes levels fluctuating but he was not worried about it as it always was back to normal at the next test. He advised that when I get my blood test every 2 months they do a full blood count and check not just my platelet counts but my Liver function also. Its nice to know that even though I only see the haematologist every 6 months he is still monitoring my health in between.

[Pollyangel]

Hi

I've been taking Revolade daily for the last 15 months and I've never read of it causing cancer. I've just reread the instructions that come with the drug and there are side effects you need to be aware of... and also side effects that your consultant will check for in your bloods... but, there is no mention of cancer.

I have had no adverse effects to taking Revolade but I am aware of what to look out for.

I would continue taking the medication and speak to your consultant about your concerns.

Good luck x

[Pollyangel in reply to Pollyangel]

Apologies... after reading the other reply... I went back and checked.

It does mention cancer.. but I agree with the comments made by LifeafterITP.

[CAIPENG]

Is Revolade is a solution for ITP? I knew it's very expensive medicine.

[LifeafterITP in reply to CAIPENG]

Revolade (Eltrombopag) is one of several different treatments for ITP. It needs to be approved by a doctor as suitable and if prescribed its use needs to be monitored with regular blood tests.