What Is Agranulocytosis Nhs

Agranulocytosis happens when your body doesn’t make enough white blood cells (called neutrophils). White blood cells fight germs that make us sick. Agranulocytosis is a life-threatening condition that leads to severe infection. Providers can treat it with medications that help the body produce white blood cells.

What are the symptoms of agranulocytosis?

Having very low levels of granulocytes in the blood can lead to serious or life-threatening infections. Signs and symptoms of agranulocytosis include fever, chills, weakness, sore throat, sores in the mouth or throat, bleeding gums, bone pain, low blood pressure, fast heartbeat, and trouble breathing.

What drug causes agranulocytosis?

A variety of drugs can cause acquired agranulocytosis and neutropenia by destroying special cells in the bone marrow that later mature and become granulocytes (precursors). These drugs include phenytoin, pyrimethamine, methotrexate, and cytarabine.