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Treatment options for immune thrombocytopenia (ITP)

Learn what therapies can improve platelet counts in patients with ITP.

Updated on October 14, 2024

Gloved hand holding a blood sample vial.
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Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a condition where the immune system targets and destroys platelets. Platelets are small cell pieces in the blood that form clots to stop bleeding when there is an injury. ITP causes platelet counts to become too low, which can result in numerous bleeding symptoms. These can include bleeding excessively from injuries, bruising easily, orShow More

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Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are different than anabolic steroids, which are used to build muscle and boost athletic performance. Corticosteroids are drugs are used to help reduce inflammation and treat a wide variety of conditions, including asthma, allergies, and arthritis. They also reduce the activity ofShow More

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Immunoglobulin

Immunoglobulin is another first-line therapy. It’s a blood product given intravenously (via IV) that can help support the immune system and treat conditions where it attacks healthy cells, including ITP. Two types, IVIG and anti-D immune globulin, can be prescribed for short-term treatment of ITP.

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Immunosuppressant Drugs

Immunosuppressant drugs are drugs that disrupt certain functions of the immune system. They are prescribed for a number of different health conditions, including autoimmune diseases like psoriasis, lupus, Crohn’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. 

Though not approved for treating ITP, certainShow More

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Other Medications

There are a number of other medications that are used to treat ITP. These are given as second- or third-line treatments when other treatments have not worked. They include:

  • Chemotherapy drugs, which are a staple of cancer treatment, but can be useful in treating ITP due to their ability to
  • Show More
surgeon speaks to patient in recovery
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Surgery

Surgery to remove the spleen, called splenectomy, is another treatment option for ITP. Why the spleen? The spleen is where the antibodies (proteins) that attack platelets are produced. 

In previous decades, surgery was a go-to treatment if ITP did not respond to corticosteroids. It has provenShow More

Slideshow sources open slideshow sources

National Organization for Rare Disorders. Immune Thrombocytopenia. Updated July 12, 2022.
NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Immune Thrombocytopenia. Updated March 24, 2022.
Cines DB, Bussel JB. How I treat idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Blood. 2005 Oct 1;106(7):2244-51. 
Merck Manual Professional Version. Immune Thrombocytopenia. Reviewed May 2024.
Mayo Clinic. Immune Thrombocytopenia. June 8, 2023.
NHS Inform. Corticosteroids (steroids). Updated May 31, 2024.
Khan AM, Mydra H, Nevarez A. Clinical Practice Updates in the Management Of Immune Thrombocytopenia. P T. 2017 Dec;42(12):756-763.
Cleveland Clinic. Corticosteroids. Reviewed January 20, 2020.
Platelet Disorder Support Association. Immunosuppressants. Accessed October 10, 2024.
Iowa Healthcare. Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. Reviewed March 2017.
DailyMed. Tavalisse—fostamatinib tablet. Updated August 29, 2024.
Siegal D, Crowther M, Cuker A. Thrombopoietin receptor agonists in primary immune thrombocytopenia. Semin Hematol. 2013 Jan;50 Suppl 1(0 1):S18-21.
MedlinePlus. Post-splenectomy complications. Reviewed February 2, 2023.
Immunize.org. Vaccinations for Adults without a Spleen. January 19, 2024.

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