Clozapine rechallenge and initiation despite neutropenia- a practical, step-by-step guide
Edward Silva, Melanie Higgins, Barbara Hammer, Paul Stephenson
Abstract
Clozapine remains the only drug treatment likely to benefit patients with treatment resistant schizophrenia. Its use is complicated by an increased risk of neutropenia and so there are stringent monitoring requirements and restrictions in those with previous neutropenia from any cause or from clozapine in particular. Despite these difficulties clozapine may yet be used following neutropenia, albeit with caution. Having had involvement with 14 cases of clozapine use in these circumstances we set out our approach to the assessment of risks and benefits, risk mitigation and monitoring with a practical guide.
Topics & Concepts
ClozapineNeutropeniaMedicineIntensive care medicineSchizophrenia (object-oriented programming)PsychiatryInternal medicineChemotherapySchizophrenia research and treatmentBlood disorders and treatmentsPharmacovigilance and Adverse Drug Reactions