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ITP can lead to major bleeding and other complications

I try not to be self-conscious about my bruises, but I wish there was more I could do about them. —Patient living with chronic ITP

Chronic ITP can be a serious condition and should be managed properly

What is ITP?

ITP is short for immune thrombocytopenia (THROM-bo-sigh-toe-PEE-nee-uh).

ITP is an autoimmune disorder, which means that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys platelets in the blood. ITP can also slow down the body’s ability to make more platelets.

What is chronic ITP?

ITP can become chronic, which is when platelet counts are low for a long time. Chronic ITP can be a serious condition if left untreated. It’s important to know that chronic ITP can be managed with treatment.

You may need to see a new healthcare provider who specializes in treating blood disorders, like a hematologist-oncologist (called a “hem-onc” for short).

Shown in an injured blood vessel

Keep in mind that ITP is not cancer and it is not contagious.

What are platelets?

Platelets are tiny cells in the blood that clump together to form a clot and stop the bleeding when a blood vessel is damaged. For example, when your body forms a scab, or clot, over an injury, platelets are the first cells on the scene to begin the healing process. People with ITP have lower amounts of platelets in their blood, which makes it harder for clots to form.

What happens when you have low platelet counts?

Low platelet counts can lead to bleeding and other issues. Every person’s body is different, so your symptoms may vary. Your symptoms may include:

Tiny reddish-purple spots
  • Tiny reddish-purple spots called petechiae (puh-TEE-kee-uh)
  • Easy bruising
Bleeding from gums or nose
  • Bleeding from gums or nose
  • Bruising or blood-red spots in the mouth
Very heavy or long menstrual flow
  • Very heavy or long menstrual flow
  • Internal bleeding (for example, in the stomach, intestines, or brain)

Treatment is individualized

What is the goal of treatment?

The goal of treatment in ITP is to reduce the risk of bleeding by raising platelet counts. The target number of platelets needed will vary from person to person. You and your healthcare practitioner will determine the right treatment for you to achieve that goal.

Many people set goals for themselves based on their lifestyle and daily activities. Write down your own goals and other personal priorities. Share them with your healthcare provider when discussing your treatment options.

What is the right platelet count for me? 

Every person is different. You and your healthcare provider will determine what the right platelet target is for you.

 

Healthcare providers usually consider treatment when someone with ITP has: 

  • Platelet counts below 20,000 per microliter (μL)
  • Bleeding symptoms

Connie's Story: ITP Diagnosis and Early Treatment

Connie, a real patient diagnosed with ITP, shares her experiences and challenges with the disease and how she and her healthcare team worked together to stabilize her platelet counts.

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Important Safety Information

What is TAVALISSE?

TAVALISSE is a prescription medication used to treat adults with low platelet counts due to chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) when a prior treatment for ITP has not worked well enough. It is not known if TAVALISSE is safe and effective in children.

What is the most important information I should know about TAVALISSE?

TAVALISSE can cause serious side effects including: 

  • High blood pressure (hypertension). New or worsening high blood pressure is common in people treated with TAVALISSE and can be severe. Your healthcare provider will check your blood pressure regularly during treatment with TAVALISSE. If needed, your healthcare provider may start you on blood pressure medicine or change your current medicine to treat your blood pressure. Tell your healthcare provider if you get headaches, confusion, dizziness, chest pain, or shortness of breath.
  • Liver problems. Changes in liver function blood tests are common with TAVALISSE. Liver problems may occur and can be severe. Your healthcare provider will regularly do blood tests to check how well your liver is working during treatment with TAVALISSE.
  • Diarrhea. Diarrhea is common in people treated with TAVALISSE and can be severe. Tell your healthcare provider if you get diarrhea during treatment with TAVALISSE. Your healthcare provider may recommend changes in your diet, drinking more water, or medicine to limit these symptoms.
  • Decreases in white blood cell count (neutropenia). Decreases in your white blood cell count are common with TAVALISSE and can be severe. This may increase your risk for infection, including serious infections. Your healthcare provider will regularly do blood tests to check your white blood cell counts.

Your healthcare provider may change your dose, temporarily stop, or permanently stop treatment with TAVALISSE if you have side effects.

What do I need to discuss with my healthcare provider before taking TAVALISSE?

Before you take TAVALISSE, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you: 

  • have high blood pressure
  • have liver problems
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. TAVALISSE can harm your unborn baby.
    • Your healthcare provider will check if you are pregnant before starting treatment with TAVALISSE.
    • Females who can become pregnant should use effective birth control during treatment with TAVALISSE and for at least 1 month after the last dose.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Taking TAVALISSE with certain other medicines may affect how the other medicines work or how TAVALISSE works. 

What are the possible side effects of TAVALISSE?

The most common side effects of TAVALISSE include:

  • Nausea, rash, dizziness, tiredness, respiratory infection, chest pain, and stomach (abdomen) pain.

These are not all the side effects of TAVALISSE. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA, at 1-800-FDA-1088. 

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Important Safety Information

What is TAVALISSE?

TAVALISSE is a prescription medication used to treat adults with low platelet counts due to chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) when a prior treatment for ITP has not worked well enough. It is not known if TAVALISSE is safe and effective in children.

What is the most important information I should know about TAVALISSE?

TAVALISSE can cause serious side effects including:

  • High blood pressure (hypertension). New or worsening high blood pressure is common in people treated with TAVALISSE and can be severe. Your healthcare provider will check your blood pressure regularly during treatment with TAVALISSE. If needed, your healthcare provider may start you on blood pressure medicine or change your current medicine to treat your blood pressure. Tell your healthcare provider if you get headaches, confusion, dizziness, chest pain, or shortness of breath.

September is ITP Awareness month

Join Rigel in helping to raise awareness of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and showing support for ITP patients, care partners, and healthcare providers

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