Drug-induced immune hemolytic anemia

Alternative names:

anemia - immune hemolytic - secondary to drugs; immune hemolytic anemia secondary to drugs

Treatment:

Discontinuation of the suspected causative drug may alleviate or control the symptoms. Treatment with prednisone is the first additional therapy that may be tried.

Blood transfusions with carefully typed packed red blood cells may be advised for severe symptoms.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome is expected to be good. The process subsides when the offending agent is eliminated from the body.

Complications:

• Death caused by severe anemia rarely occurs.
• Transfusion can cause a transfusion reaction.

Calling your health care provider:

You should see your health care provider any time that dark urine and jaundice occur, particularly if other symptoms also develop after taking a medication.