Abstract

SANCHEZ LITE, I.; CAL DE LA FUENTE, A. de la; FRUTOS LLANES, R.  and  CANO DEL POZO, M.. Are we aware of the side effects of the drugs we prescribe? . Medifam [online]. 2002, vol.12, n.8, pp.75-78. ISSN 1131-5768.

Many of the medicines used daily and which are supposed harmless, may in fact produce numerous side-effects which can, on occasions, be life-threatening. Agranulocytosis is an uncommon alteration of the blood consisting of severe neutropenia with serious associated infections and a high mortality rate. A great number of medications have been associated with the production of agranulocytosis: antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, anti-depressants, etc. Of these medicines metamizol has been one of the most closely-associated with this blood disorder. Widely used, metamizol, is very popular not only in medical circles, but also amongst patients who are able to buy it without prescription from any pharmacy in our country. Although the association between agranulocytosis and metamizol is not common, we should be aware of the grave consequences which may arise. This was the case of the patient described who, having taken metamizol, required urgent treatment at home, before being admitted to hospital. Emergency room analysis revealed agranulocitosis. The patient was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit where, in spite of support and anti-biotherapy, she died within a few hours. 

Keywords : Agranulocytosis; Anti-inflammatory agents; Non-steroidal; Dipyrone; Neutropenia; Side Effects; Mortality.

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