Eltrombopag is the generic name for the trade name drug Promacta. In some cases, health care professionals may use the trade name, Promacta, when referring to the generic drug name, eltrombopag.

This medication is used to treat low platelet levels in people who have a certain blood disorder called chronic immune (idiopathic) thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP) or who have chronic hepatitis C. It may also be used to treat people with a certain blood disorder (aplastic anemia).

Eltrombopag is used to prevent bleeding episodes in adults and children age 1 year and older, who have chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). ITP is a bleeding condition caused by a lack of platelets in the blood.

Eltrombopag is not a cure for ITP and it will not make your platelet counts normal if you have this condition.

Eltrombopag is also used to prevent bleeding in adults with chronic hepatitis C who are treated with an interferon (such as Intron A, Infergen, Pegasys, PegIntron, Rebetron, Redipen, or Sylatron).

Eltrombopag is also used together with other medications to treat severe aplastic anemia in adults and children who are at least 2 years old.

Eltrombopag is sometimes given after other treatments have failed.

Eltrombopag is not for use in treating myelodysplastic syndrome (also called "preleukemia").

Eltrombopag may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.