Albenza warnings
Rare fatalities associated with the use of Albenza have been reported due to granulocytopenia or pancytopenia.
Albenza has been shown to cause bone marrow suppression, aplastic anemia, and agranulocytosis in patients with and without underlying hepatic dysfunction. Blood counts should be monitored at the beginning of each 28-day cycle of therapy, and every 2 weeks while on therapy with albenza in all patients. Patients with liver disease, including hepatic echinococcosis, appear to be more at risk for bone marrow suppression leading to pancytopenia, aplastic anemia, agranulocytosis, and leukopenia attributable to albenza and warrant closer monitoring of blood counts. Albenza should be discontinued in all patients if clinically significant decreases in blood cell counts occur.
Albenza should not be used in pregnant women except in clinical circumstances where no alternative management is appropriate. Patients should not become pregnant for at least 1 month following cessation of albenza therapy. If a patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, albenza should be discontinued immediately. If pregnancy occurs while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus.
