Ticlopidine-induced thrombocytopenia

A case is presented of a 58-year-old woman developing profound thrombocytopenia within one week after starting treatment with ticlopidine. Ticlopidine was prescribed following coronary artery stenting. The patient recovered rapidly after discontinuation of the drug, suggesting a possible relationship between ticlopidine and thrombocytopenia. Haematological disorders associated with ticlopidine, such as neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and bone marrow aplasia, are rare and usually seen within the first three months of therapy. As the use of ticlopidine increases, clinicians should be aware of haematological complications associated with its use and inform their patients appropriately.