Serious dermatologic reactions and hla-b*1502 allele; Aplastic anemia and agranulocytosis

Serious dermatologic reactions and hla-b*1502 allele

Serious and sometimes fatal dermatologic reactions, including toxic epidermal necrolysis (ten) and stevens-johnson syndrome (sjs), have been reported during treatment with carbamazepine. These reactions are estimated to occur in 1 to 6 per 10,000 new users in countries with mainly caucasian populations, but the risk in some asian countries is estimated to be about 10 times higher. Studies in patients of chinese ancestry have found a strong association between the risk of developing sjs/ten and the presence of hla-b*1502, an inherited allelic variant of the hla-b gene. Hla-b*1502 is found almost exclusively in patients with ancestry across broad areas of asia. Patients with ancestry in genetically at-risk populations should be screened for the presence of hla-b*1502 prior to initiating treatment with carbamazepine. Patients testing positive for the allele should not be treated with carbamazepine unless the benefit clearly outweighs the risk (see warnings and precautions, laboratory tests).

Aplastic anemia and agranulocytosis

Aplastic anemia and agranulocytosis have been reported in association with the use of carbamazepine. Data from a population-based case control study demonstrate that the risk of developing these reactions is 5 to 8 times greater than in the general population. However, the overall risk of these reactions in the untreated general population is low, approximately six patients per one million population per year for agranulocytosis and two patients per one million population per year for aplastic anemia.

Although reports of transient or persistent decreased platelet or white blood cell counts are not uncommon in association with the use of carbamazepine, data are not available to estimate accurately their incidence or outcome. However, the vast majority of the cases of leukopenia have not progressed to the more serious conditions of aplastic anemia or agranulocytosis.

Because of the very low incidence of agranulocytosis and aplastic anemia, the vast majority of minor hematologic changes observed in monitoring of patients on carbamazepine are unlikely to signal the occurrence of either abnormality. Nonetheless, complete pretreatment hematological testing should be obtained as a baseline. If a patient in the course of treatment exhibits low or decreased white blood cell or platelet counts, the patient should be monitored closely. Discontinuation of the drug should be considered if any evidence of significant bone marrow depression develops.