Doptelet (avatrombopag) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for low platelet counts in certain adults. Doptelet comes as an oral tablet that’s typically taken once daily. The dosage can vary based on the condition the drug is used to treat.
Doptelet is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat:
- thrombocytopenia (low blood-platelet count) in adults with chronic liver disease who have an upcoming procedure
- thrombocytopenia in adults who have chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and had treatments that did not work
Doptelet belongs to a drug class called thrombopoietin receptor agonist. Doptelet is not available in a generic version.
Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Doptelet, including its strength and how to take the medication. For a comprehensive look at Doptelet, see this article.
Note: This article describes typical dosages for Doptelet provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Doptelet, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.
Below is information about Doptelet’s form, strength, and dosages.
Doptelet form
Doptelet comes as an oral tablet.
Doptelet strength
Doptelet comes in one strength of 20 milligrams (mg).
Typical dosages
Typically, your doctor will start by prescribing you a low dosage. Then they’ll adjust it over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The following information describes dosages that are commonly recommended in adults. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for thrombocytopenia in adults with chronic liver disease
Doctors may prescribe Doptelet to treat thrombocytopenia in people who have chronic liver disease and are scheduled for a procedure.
If your doctor prescribes Doptelet for this use, your starting dose will depend on your blood platelet counts before your procedure. Your doctor will prescribe Doptelet 10 to 13 days before your procedure. Typically, you’ll take Doptelet once daily for 5 days total. Your procedure should be scheduled 5 to 8 days after your last dose.
The table below shows the typical dosage schedule for this use. Your doctor will determine the maintenance dose that suits your needs.
| Platelet count | Dosage | Number of tablets |
| 40,000 to less than 50,000 per microliter (mcL) | 40 mg once daily | 2 tablets |
| less than 40,000 mcL | 60 mg once daily | 3 tablets |
For more information about your specific dosage, talk with your doctor.
Dosage for adults with chronic ITP
Doptelet is also approved to treat chronic ITP. In this case, the recommended starting dose of Doptelet is 20 mg. You’ll usually take this once daily.
Your doctor may make dose adjustments based on your platelet counts during your treatment. Typically, the goal blood platelet count is greater than or equal to 50,000 mcL. Your doctor will measure your blood platelet counts weekly until they find a dosage that works for you. Depending on your blood platelet counts your doctor may recommend you take Doptelet once, twice, or three times per week.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your dosage.
How to take Doptelet
Doptelet comes as an oral tablet that you swallow whole. Be sure to take your dose with a meal.
It may be helpful to take Doptelet around the same time of day. This helps maintain a steady level of the drug in your body so Doptelet can work effectively.
If you have trouble swallowing tablets, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Long-term treatment
Doptelet may be taken short or long term depending on the condition it’s used to treat.
Doptelet is used short term for thrombocytopenia in chronic liver disease before a procedure. Doctors prescribe Doptelet for 5 days, about 10 to 13 days before a procedure.
Doptelet may also be used as a long-term treatment for adults with chronic ITP. If you and your doctor determine that Doptelet is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term for this use.
Before you start taking Doptelet, your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about how long you can expect to take Doptelet.
ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERSSome pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.
If you’re having trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting Doptelet in an easy-open container. They also may recommend tools that can make it easier to open bottles.
It’s important that you don’t take more Doptelet than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
If you take more than the recommended amount of Doptelet
Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Doptelet. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
Below are some frequently asked questions about Doptelet.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Doptelet?
If you miss a dose of Doptelet, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next scheduled dose. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose. If you’re not sure whether you should take a missed dose or skip it, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your bathroom mirror or bedside table. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.
Can a tablet of Doptelet be crushed?
No, you should not crush, cut, or chew Doptelet tablets when you take your dose. Doptelet tablets should be swallowed whole and taken with food.
If you have trouble swallowing tablets, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.