Why it’s risky to stop ITP medication
Last updated July 21, 2025, by Lisa Basile
Fact-checked by PatrĂcia Silva, PhD
If you have immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), you might know what it’s like to discover bruises seemingly out of nowhere or to have chronic nosebleeds. You might even be taking medications to help increase your platelet count to reduce bleeding.
Sticking with that treatment, especially if your platelet levels are low, can be crucial to protecting your short- and long-term health.
How medication helps people with ITP
Your platelets play an important role in your body: They help form plugs, or blood clots, to prevent heavy bleeding. Healthy platelet counts should be between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood, but in people with ITP, they drop to under 100,000 platelets per microliter.
With fewer platelets, you may bleed both externally and internally. This bleeding may show up as:
- reddish-purple spots
- bruises
- bloody stool
- bleeding gums
- nosebleeds
- heavy menstrual periods.
ITP medication can help control ITP symptoms and prevent major bleeding. By increasing your platelet count, treatment can lower your risk of both visible and internal bleeding — and help you feel more secure in daily life.
The risks of stopping medication
Not sticking to ITP treatment as prescribed may lead to withdrawal or the return of symptoms.
In one study of people with ITP associated with lupus, people who stopped taking medication by themselves — because they were worried about side effects or felt better — had a higher relapse rate. In contrast, those who gradually stopped taking drugs under their doctor’s orders maintained clinical remission.
Studies also show that treatments like thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO-RAs), which are used to treat ITP, can help boost platelet counts and reduce bleeding; however, relapse can occur when treatment stops.
What happens if you miss or skip doses?
If you’ve skipped or forgotten your ITP medication, you’re not alone. Medication non-adherence can happen, but it can have a real impact on your health. In some cases, a skipped dose might mean a sudden loss of therapeutic effect.
If you’ve missed, skipped, or forgotten a dose or doses, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Call your provider or pharmacist and ask them what you should do rather than doubling up on doses.
Discussing your treatment plan with your doctor
Your ITP treatment plan will be unique to you. Hopefully, it will make you feel stronger, less fatigued, and more in control of your ITP journey.
Talking to your doctor about ITP treatment will help you understand:
- which drugs you have been prescribed and why
- when to take them
- how to take them
- what to do if you forget or skip a dose
- what side effects to expect (if any)
- when to expect any changes in how you feel
- how long you’ll be on the medication
- what the next steps might be if the medication doesn’t work.
Tips for remembering your medications
There are plenty of ways to remind yourself to take your medication, including smartphone apps that can help you track your medications and symptoms.
Other ideas include using a colorful pill box or setting up mobile medication reminders from your local pharmacy.
Beyond reminders, integrate your medication into your daily routine. Take the medication at the same time each day. Keeping it on a kitchen counter where you make coffee in the morning or at a desk where you often sit can also help you remember to take it.
Sticking with your ITP treatment can make a meaningful difference in managing symptoms and reducing your risk of serious bleeding. If you ever have concerns or questions about your medication, talk with your doctor before making changes.
Bleeding Disorders News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
