Agranulocytosis after long-term clozapine use: a case report
Journal article
Secchi, Agostina, Bridges, Madelaine, Whiskey, Eromona and Shergill, Sukhi 2025. Agranulocytosis after long-term clozapine use: a case report. International Clinical Psychopharmacology. 40 (6), pp. e21-e26. https://doi.org/10.1097/yic.0000000000000594
| Authors | Secchi, Agostina, Bridges, Madelaine, Whiskey, Eromona and Shergill, Sukhi |
|---|---|
| Abstract | Neutropenia and the more severe, potentially life-threatening agranulocytosis are recognized side effects of clozapine that require regular, mandatory, and life-long blood monitoring. However, most cases of haematological adverse effects occur in the first few months of treatment; therefore, there are now increasing calls for the termination of the mandatory monitoring after this initial period. In this report, we present a patient with treatment-resistant schizophrenia who was successfully treated with clozapine yet developed neutropenia after 9 years. This soon evolved into agranulocytosis requiring the use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and eventual clozapine cessation. Such late-onset cases of agranulocytosis are isolated and rare but should not impede the drive to relax mandatory clozapine haematological monitoring, but patients and carers must be aware of potential symptoms of agranulocytosis. |
| Keywords | Pharmacology; Blood disease; Clozapine; Antipsychotic medications |
| Year | 2025 |
| Journal | International Clinical Psychopharmacology |
| Journal citation | 40 (6), pp. e21-e26 |
| Publisher | Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins |
| ISSN | 0268-1315 |
| 1473-5857 | |
| Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1097/yic.0000000000000594 |
| Official URL | https://journals.lww.com/intclinpsychopharm/abstract/9900/agranulocytosis_after_long_term_clozapine_use__a.169.aspx |
| Publication dates | |
| Online | 23 Sep 2025 |
| Publication process dates | |
| Deposited | 07 Jul 2025 |
| Accepted | 12 May 2025 |
| Output status | Published |
| Additional information | Publications router. |
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