Definition

Drug-induced nonimmune thrombocytopenia is a reduction in normally functioning platelets that can be caused by certain drugs.

Platelets are important in forming blood clots. Certain drugs may decrease the number of platelets by damaging the bone marrow where platelets are made. Decreased platelets may cause easy bruising or abnormal bleeding.

Bleeding can be life-threatening if it occurs in the brain or other vital organ. Other drugs can increase the risk of bleeding by preventing platelets from working normally. A common example of this is aspirin.

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Alternative Names

Thrombocytopenia (nonimmune) drug-induced; Nonimmune thrombocytopenia - drug-induced
Lots More Information:
•Platelet count
•Bleeding into the skin
•Bleeding
Review Date:7/29/2005
Reviewed By: William Matsui, M.D., Assistant Professor of Oncology, Division of Hematologic Malignancies, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.