HomeAnswersInternal Medicineacute immune thrombocytopenia (ITP)

What is the best treatment for ITP after a failed steroid drug therapy?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My son was diagnosed with ITP a few months ago. He has been on steroids since then. But now, he has developed blood blisters on his lips and in his mouth, bruises, and spots of petechiae. I am scared. Should he be taken off the steroids?

Please help.

Answered by Dr. Prathap

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Prathap is a General Practitioner and a Family Physician with eight years of clinical experience. He completed his MD in Medicine from Dr. N.T.R University of Health Sciences in 2016. He is currently working at the Remedy Clinic, Andhra Pradesh.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I went through your query and understood your concern.

Treatment of ITP (immune thrombocytopenic purpura) is really challenging. The effect of steroids starts very early. But with immunosuppressants like 6-MP (6-Mercaptopurine), it takes weeks to get the effect of the drug. So, I suggest you continue the steroids for at least four weeks after starting 6-MP and then gradually taper it off.

Kindly consult a specialist, talk with them, and take medicines with their consent.

I hope this has helped you.

Thanks and regards.

Answered by Dr. Prathap
Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At July 2, 2023
Reviewed At July 13, 2026

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Prathap is a General Practitioner and a Family Physician with eight years of clinical experience. He completed his MD in Medicine from Dr. N.T.R University of Health Sciences in 2016. He is currently working at the Remedy Clinic, Andhra Pradesh.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Prathap is a General Practitioner and a Family Physician with eight years of clinical experience. He completed his MD in Medicine from Dr. N.T.R University of Health Sciences in 2016. He is currently working at the Remedy Clinic, Andhra Pradesh.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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