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Warning-sign checks

Drug-induced thrombocytopenia: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency care for:

    • Bleeding that is heavy or will not stop
    • Vomiting blood or passing black, tar-like bowel movements
    • A sudden severe headache, confusion, weakness, or vision change
    • A significant head injury when your platelet count is low
    • Sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing blood
    • New painful swelling in a leg or arm
    • Cold, painful, or discolored skin on a limb

    These symptoms may indicate serious bleeding or a blood clot.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact a healthcare professional promptly if you develop unexplained bruising, petechiae, repeated nosebleeds, bleeding gums, blood in the urine, or much heavier menstrual bleeding after starting or restarting a drug.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Attend planned blood tests even if you feel well.

    Bring a complete list of medicines, supplements, occasional remedies, and recent hospital treatments.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is having side effects from a medicine, or is struggling to take it as prescribed

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Drug-induced thrombocytopenia. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.