Doptelet is an oral tablet used to treat low platelet count, which may cause excessive bleeding. The generic name of Doptelet is avatrombopag. In this article, we will discuss its uses, mechanism of action, side effects, cost, and more.
Speak to a Specialist
About Copay AssistanceDoptelet Quick Facts:
- Doptelet is part of the medication class called thrombopoietin (TPO) receptor agonists.
- This medication is only available by prescription from a healthcare provider.
- It is a brand-name product. No generic versions are available.
- AkaRx, Inc., received FDA approval in 2018 for Doptelet.
- Doptelet isn’t a controlled substance, so it doesn’t have a risk of addiction.
What Is Doptelet?
Doptelet is a brand-name prescription medication. The active ingredient in this product is avatrombopag, which belongs to the medication class called thrombopoietin (TPO) receptor agonists.
It works just like a natural protein in the liver called thrombopoietin, which causes the body to make more platelets. Platelets, or thrombocytes, are blood cells that help blood clot to stop bleeding.
What Is Doptelet Used For?
The FDA approved this medication to raise platelet count in adults with:
- Chronic (long-term) liver disease who are scheduled to undergo a surgical (including dental) or other procedures (e.g., endoscopy).
- Chronic immune thrombocytopenia (or ITP) unresponsive to other treatments.
Doptelet is used to raise your platelet count to a level of about 50,000 platelets per microliter, which is the acceptable level that keeps your risk of serious bleeding low. However, it’s not used to restore your platelet counts to normal levels.
The safety and efficacy of this medication in children have yet to be determined.
Off-Label Use
“Off-label use” is when a healthcare provider prescribes a medication for non-FDA-approved uses.
This medication may be used “off-label” for individuals with aplastic anemia and chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia [1, 2].
Note that this is an early finding, and more research is needed to establish safety and efficacy.
How To Use Doptelet Properly
This medication is available as an oral tablet that’s taken by mouth. Each tablet contains 20 milligrams (mg) of the active drug.
Take the dosage exactly as prescribed and at the same time each day. Don’t take less, more, or take the medication for longer than prescribed.
Never stop taking this medication without talking to your healthcare provider first. Doing so can raise your risk of serious bleeding if you become injured.
Follow the instructions on the prescription label. If you’re not sure how to take the medication, ask your prescriber or pharmacist for help.
Swallow the tablet whole with about 8 ounces of water. Also, take this medication with food.
Things To Know Before Taking Doptelet
Inform your healthcare provider if you:
- Are allergic to avatrombopag or any product component
- Have a history of a blood clot
- Have a genetic condition that could increase your risk of having a blood clot
Use in Pregnancy and Lactation
Inform your prescriber if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant before and during treatment with Doptelet. This medication can harm your unborn baby, so you’ll need to be switched to a medication that’s safer for you and your baby.
Also, tell your prescriber if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. No one knows if this medication passes into breast milk. So to be safe, breastfeeding should be avoided during treatment and for at least 14 days after the last dose.
Get Financial Assistance
What Are the Side Effects of Doptelet?
Common Side Effects
- Fever
- Headache
- Stomach pain
- Tiredness
- Nausea
- Swelling of hands or feet
- Joint pain
- Bleeding gums
- Bruising
- Nosebleed
- Purple or red spots on your skin
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
Call your provider if these reactions don’t go away or worsen.
Serious Side Effects
This medicine may raise the risk of blood clots in people with chronic liver disease, ITP, or other clotting problems. Tell your healthcare provider immediately if the following signs and symptoms of a blood clot occur:
- Swelling, pain, or tenderness in your legs
- Fast heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Stomach pain or tenderness
- Chest pain
Typical Dosages of Doptelet
Chronic Liver Disease
Your provider will determine the optimal dose, based on platelet count, for patients scheduled to undergo a procedure.
- Platelet count below 40×109/L: 60 mg (3 tablets) once daily for 5 days starting 10 to 13 days before the procedure.
- Platelet counts of 40 to less than 50×109/L: 40 mg (2 tablets) once daily for 5 days starting 10 to 13 days before the procedure.
You should undergo the procedure 5 to 8 days after the last dose.
Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenia
The initial amount to take is 20 mg (1 tablet) once daily. Your provider may adjust the dose or dosing frequency to keep the platelet count greater than or equal to 50×109/L. You shouldn’t receive more than 40 mg a day.
What To Do If You Miss a Dose
Chronic immune thrombocytopenia: Take the missed dose immediately after you remember it. Take the next dose at the regular schedule and stick to the recommended schedule. Don’t double dose.
Before a scheduled medical procedure: Talk to your provider for instructions if you miss a dose.
Get Copay Assistance for Doptelet
What To Do If You Overdose
Seek emergency medical care or call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Overdose symptoms can include:
- Swollen, painful, red, or tender leg
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
- Chest pain
- Fast heartbeat
- Stomach pain or tenderness
How Should You Store Doptelet?
- Store this medication at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F in the original package.
- Keep all your medications out of reach of children.
- Keep all your prescription and OTC medications away from excess heat, light, and moisture.
How Much Does Doptelet Cost?
The cost is about $13,000 for 30 tablets. The amount you pay for Doptelet treatment can vary, depending on your insurance plan, geographical location, and pharmacy. Call your insurance provider to learn if your plan covers this medicine or if you need prior authorization.
You can also contact us if you are interested in exploring financial assistance options for Doptelet.
Doptelet vs. Promacta: What’s the Difference?
Both medicines are thrombopoietin receptor agonists. However, they are not the same. The active substance in Doptelet is avatrombopag, while the active drug in Promacta is eltrombopag.
Unlike Doptelet, Promacta may be used in children (one year and older) for certain conditions.
A 2021 systematic review and network meta-analysis suggests that Doptelet might work the best compared to other thrombopoietin receptor agonists, like Promacta.
REFERENCES:
- Wang, Huaquan et al. “Efficacy and safety of avatrombopag in aplastic anemia patients with liver disease.” Journal of translational internal medicine vol. 11,1 90-93. 7 May. 2023, doi:10.2478/jtim-2023-0006
- Al-Samkari, Hanny et al. “Avatrombopag for chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia in patients with non-haematological malignancies: an international, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial.” The Lancet. Haematology vol. 9,3 (2022): e179-e189. doi:10.1016/S2352-3026(22)00001-1
