Immune Thrombocytopenia

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

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Immune thrombocytopenia is a bleeding disorder. Immune thrombocytopenia may happen when your immune system attacks and destroys your platelets. This causes low platelet levels. Platelets are cells that help the blood clot (stop bleeding). When platelet levels are low, bleeding may occur anywhere in your body. Immune thrombocytopenia may also be called idiopathic thrombocytopenia.

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Medicines:

• Steroids help increase platelet levels.
• Antibodies help stop your body from destroying platelets and may increase platelet levels.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Tests:

• Blood tests are done to count your platelets and time how long it takes your blood to clot.
• A bone marrow biopsy will show if your bone marrow is making platelets normally.

Treatment:

• Platelet transfusions may be given if your platelet levels are low. Platelet transfusions may also help stop heavy bleeding. You may be given platelet transfusions before procedures or surgeries to help your blood clot.
• Surgery to remove your spleen is rarely needed but may be done to stop your body from destroying platelets.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• Promacta
• Nplate
• Doptelet
• Privigen
• prednisone

View more treatment options

RISKS:

Immune thrombocytopenia can cause life-threatening bleeding, blood clots, heart attack, or stroke.

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