Agranulocytosis and other blood dyscrasias associated with dipyrone (metamizole)

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Abstract

Objective. Agranulocytosis is a potentially lethal adverse drug reaction of dipyrone (metamizole). According to case-control studies, the frequency is low, approximately one per million users. The aim of the study was to describe the pattern of blood dyscrasias associated with dipyrone, identify possible risk factors and calculate the incidence of agranulocytosis associated with dipyrone.

Methods. All spontaneous reports of serious blood dyscrasias associated with dipyrone in Sweden were reviewed. The reports were scrutinised for additional information, including bone marrow findings. The reported incidence of agranulocytosis was estimated from total prescription sales of dipyrone.

Results. The reported incidence of agranulocytosis with dipyrone in Sweden was estimated to be at least 1:1439 (95% confidence interval 1:850, 1:4684) prescriptions. Ninety-two percent of the cases of blood dyscrasias occurred during the first 2 months of treatment. Additional risk factors were identified in 36% of the patients. In a total of five cases of which four were fatal, all three haematopoieses were affected according to bone marrow sample findings. Among the fatal cases, a higher proportion had bi- or tricytopenia than among the non-fatal cases (P<0.005)

Conclusion. Based on sales data and spontaneous reporting of adverse drug reactions in Sweden, the risk of agranulocytosis with dipyrone seems to be considerably higher than the previously estimated risks. Dipyrone is also associated with other blood dyscrasias, and the prognosis for combined dyscrasias seems to be poorer than for isolated agranulocytosis.