Hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia associated with penicillamine ingestion

A case of a 52-year-old white woman who developed hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia after receiving D-penicillamine is presented. Although there appears to be a causative relationship, it cannot be documented at this time. No other case of hemolysis has been suggested in patients treated with penicillamine. Since penicillamine is being used more frequently and in an ever-growing list of conditions, it is advisable to be alert to the possibility of hemolytic anemia as another of the complications of therapy.