Several medications, often referred to as "pills," stimulate bone marrow to produce more blood cells. These are typically prescribed to treat conditions where the bone marrow isn't functioning optimally. Examples include colony-stimulating factors, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, and thrombopoietin receptor agonists.
Here's a breakdown:
-
Colony-Stimulating Factors (CSFs): These drugs encourage the growth and differentiation of white blood cells. Examples include:
- Sargramostim (Leukine): Stimulates the production of various white blood cells.
- Filgrastim (Neupogen): Primarily boosts neutrophil production.
- Pegfilgrastim (Neulasta): A longer-acting form of filgrastim.
-
Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents (ESAs): These medications stimulate the production of red blood cells.
- Epoetin alfa (Epogen/Procrit): Mimics the action of erythropoietin, a hormone that regulates red blood cell production.
-
Thrombopoietin Receptor Agonists (TPO-RAs): These stimulate the production of platelets.
- Eltrombopag (Promacta): Increases platelet counts by stimulating the thrombopoietin receptor.
It is important to note that some of these medications are administered via injection, not as oral pills. Eltrombopag (Promacta) is an example of an oral tablet. The specific medication and method of administration will depend on the underlying medical condition and the healthcare provider's recommendations.
