Glanzmann Thrombasthenia Medication

Updated: Mar 18, 2021
  • Author: Zonera Ashraf Ali, MBBS; Chief Editor: Srikanth Nagalla, MD, MS, FACP  more...
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Medication

Medication Summary

The goals of pharmacotherapy in patients with Glanzmann thrombasthenia are to induce active immunity, reduce morbidity, and prevent complications. Platelet transfusions are the principal form of therapy, but recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) can be used in patients with antibodies that render transfusions ineffective. Vaccination against hepatitis B is indicated, because of the increased risk of infection with multiple transfusions. In women, oral contraceptives may be used to control menorrhagia.

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Coagulation Factor VIIa

Class Summary

Coagulation factor agents promote hemostasis.

Factor VIIa, recombinant (NovoSeven RT)

Vitamin K–dependent glycoprotein that promotes hemostasis by activating the extrinsic pathway of the coagulation cascade, forming complexes with tissue factor. Promotes activation of factor X to factor Xa, factor IX to factor IXa, and factor II to factor IIa. It is indicated for treatment of bleeding episodes and perioperative management in adults and children with Glanzmann thrombasthenia with refractoriness to platelet transfusions, with or without antibodies to platelets.

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Oral Contraceptives

Class Summary

Estrogen-progestin combinations of oral contraceptives reduce the secretion of LH and FSH from the pituitary by decreasing amount of gonadotropin-releasing hormones (GnRHs).

Norethindrone/ethinylestradiol (Ovcon 50)

Suggested mechanisms by which hormonal therapy might affect bleeding include improvement in coagulation, alterations in the microvascular circulation, and improvements in endothelial integrity. One active tablet contains ethinyl estradiol 0.05 mg and norethindrone 1 mg. Used in women to prevent menorrhagia.

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Vaccines, Viral

Class Summary

Viral vaccines provide immunity against viral infections.

Hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB, Engerix-B)

Recombinant vaccine used to provide immunization against all the known subtypes of the hepatitis B virus.

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