Subsequently, the antibody reaction induces lysis of the cells. This can occur not only in the peripheral blood but in the marrow as well. The treatment for this condition is supportive, with antibiotic therapy as indicated and withdrawal of the offending agent. This may be explained by the fact that the mechanism of agranulocytosis is thought to be due to an immune response and not to a production problem. In the United States there is widespread use of alternative therapy, which few patients report to their physician.
Any drug has an intrinsic risk associated with it.
Therefore, inquiry into alternative drug therapy is important, particularly when faced with an unusual or unexpected problem. If a patient is taking a medication obtained from abroad, there are several references that can be consulted to determine the composition and potential side effects of these drugs. 1A1.12 References 1. A new concept in the relationship between biochemical reaction mechanisms and molecular basis of agranulocytosis. FDA issues import alert against unapproved mail-order drugs.