Drug-Induced Immune Hemolytic Anemia

Alternate Names : Drug-Induced Hemolytic Anemia

What are the treatments for the disease?

The primary treatment for the condition is to discontinue taking the medication that has caused the reaction. Blood counts, or CBC's, are monitored closely after this is done. Usually they will return to normal without further treatment. In rare cases, the person will need a blood transfusion. However, there is a significant risk that the immune system will destroy these red blood cells as well. Occasionally, a person will need immune-suppressing medications such as corticosteriods to stop the ongoing destruction of blood cells.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Since the medication that caused the hemolysis has to be discontinued, there is a danger that the condition this medication was used to treat will worsen. If medications are used to suppress the immune system, infection and other side effects may occur. These depend on the medication used.

What happens after treatment for the disease?

The person is monitored to make sure his or her CBC returns to normal.

How is the disease monitored?

The condition is monitored with repeated CBC blood tests to measure the number of red blood cells in the blood. Most people will make a full recovery once the medication is stopped and the immune process returns to normal.