Avapag 20 mg is a prescription medication containing Avatrombopag, a thrombopoietin (TPO) receptor agonist. It is mainly used to treat immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia) in patients with chronic liver disease. Low platelet counts can lead to excessive bleeding, especially before surgery or during treatment for chronic illnesses.
What is Avapag 20 mg?
Regulatory bodies have approved the platelet-boosting drug Avapag 20 mg to treat thrombocytopenia. It helps to reduce the need for platelet transfusions in patients undergoing medical procedures or suffering from chronic conditions.
Generic Name: Avatrombopag
Brand Name: Avapag
Dosage Form: Oral tablet
Strength: 20 mg
How It Works / Mechanism of Action
Avatrombopag mimics the action of a natural hormone in your body called thrombopoietin. It binds to and activates the thrombopoietin receptor (TPO-R) on bone marrow cells, which stimulates the production of platelets from megakaryocytes.
Unlike older medications or transfusions, Avapag directly encourages your body to make its own platelets—improving safety and long-term effectiveness.
How to Use / Indications
Avapag 20 mg is indicated for:
- Thrombocytopenia in Chronic Liver Disease (CLD): To increase platelet counts before a scheduled medical or dental procedure.
- Adults with chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP): When prior treatment has not produced the desired results.
Note: The use should be monitored by a physician experienced in managing blood disorders.
How to Take / Dosage
- For Chronic Liver Disease:
- Start the medication 10–13 days before the scheduled procedure.
- Take 1 tablet (20 mg) once daily for 5 consecutive days.
- For Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP):
- Start with 20 mg once daily.
- Dosage adjustments depend on platelet response and tolerability.
Always take Avapag at the same time each day, with food.
Other Dosage Considerations
Dose adjustments may be required based on platelet counts.
- Hepatic Impairment: No dosage adjustment needed.
- Renal Impairment: Use with caution; not extensively studied.
- Pediatric Use: Not recommended in children below 18 years due to limited data.
- Elderly Patients: No specific dosage changes, but monitor closely.
Side Effects
Like any medication, Avapag may cause side effects. Not everyone will experience them, but some of the most common include:
Common Side Effects:
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Fever
- Abdominal pain
Serious Side Effects:
- Thromboembolic events (blood clots)
- Liver enzyme elevation
- Bone marrow fibrosis (rare)
- Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling)
- Seek immediate medical attention if signs of blood clots or severe allergic reactions occur.
Storage
- Store at room temperature (20°C to 25°C).
- Keep the tablets in the original packaging to protect from moisture.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Do not use the medicine after the expiry date printed on the label.
Benefits of Avapag 20 mg
- Reduces bleeding risks by boosting platelet count.
- Eliminates need for platelet transfusion before procedures.
- Oral administration – easy to take without hospitalization.
- Effective in both liver disease-related and immune-mediated thrombocytopenia.
- Well-tolerated with a low risk of immunogenicity.
Prescription & Availability
Avapag 20 mg is a prescription-only medicine (Rx). It must be prescribed by a registered medical practitioner, especially a hematologist or hepatologist.
Drug Interactions
Avapag may interact with the following:
- Strong CYP2C9/CYP3A inhibitors (e.g., fluconazole) – may increase Avatrombopag levels.
- Rifampin and other strong CYP2C9/CYP3A inducers may lessen its efficacy.
- Antiplatelet drugs or anticoagulants – may increase bleeding risk.
- Other thrombopoietin receptor agonists – avoid combination.
- Always inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, or herbal remedies you are using.
FAQs
Is Avapag safe for long-term use?
It is safe under medical supervision for chronic ITP but should be regularly monitored.
Can Avapag be taken with food?
Yes, taking it with food improves absorption.
How fast does Avapag work?
Platelet levels usually increase within 4–10 days.
Can pregnant women take Avapag?
Not recommended unless clearly needed. Always consult a doctor.
Conclusion
Avapag 20 mg (Avatrombopag) is a reliable and effective oral therapy for managing thrombocytopenia in chronic liver disease and immune thrombocytopenia. It improves patients’ quality of life, decreases the need for transfusions, and increases platelet production. While the medication is generally safe, close medical supervision and monitoring are essential to ensure its optimal use and manage any side effects.
If you or a loved one is considering or already prescribed Avapag 20 mg, be sure to follow medical advice closely, adhere to the dosage schedule, and report any adverse symptoms promptly. Its modern approach to platelet management makes it a valuable addition to hematological care.
