What is a significant risk associated with Ticlid?

Ticlid, also known as ticlopidine, has a well-documented association with neutropenia, which is a significant risk that requires monitoring during treatment. Neutropenia is characterized by an abnormally low level of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell crucial for the immune response. The occurrence of neutropenia can lead to increased susceptibility to infections, which is a serious concern for patients taking this medication. This risk is particularly important because it can manifest rapidly during the initial weeks of therapy, necessitating regular blood counts to ensure patient safety.

The need for careful hematological monitoring while on Ticlid is a key factor in its prescribing information, and this drug is often not the first choice for antiplatelet therapy due to this risk. Understanding the risk of neutropenia helps healthcare providers make informed decisions about patient management and monitoring when prescribing Ticlid or considering it as a treatment option.