Drug-Induced Thrombocytopenia

Drug-Induced Thrombocytopenia

The immediate and after effects of substance abuse include different health problems. Drug-induced thrombocytopenia is one of the many conditions that can occur in a person who has a negative reaction to prescription drugs or abuses them. An individual who abuses prescription drugs, cocaine, or heroin addiction is more likely to experience this condition than a person who does not. Our drug and alcohol treatment center in Stuart is looking into this odd condition and its side effects.

What Is The Definition of Drug-Induced Thrombocytopenia?

Thrombocytopenia is a disorder in which the person doesn’t have enough platelets. Platelets are blood cells that help create blood clots. When a person gets cut, platelets help the body create a scab that stops the bleed and closes the wound. As you may have guessed, drug-induced thrombocytopenia refers to a low platelet count that’s caused by certain medications or drugs. There are two types of thrombocytopenia: immune and nonimmune. Immune drug-induced thrombocytopenia is when the person’s body develops antibodies that destroy their platelets. Nonimmune drug-induced thrombocytopenia is when a person’s bone marrow is unable to make platelets.

Can Thrombocytopenia Be Caused by Drug Abuse?

While the most common causes of drug-induced thrombocytopenia are prescription medications, it can also be caused by illicit drug abuse. A study on the effects of long-term heroin abuse on platelet count showed that platelet levels were lower in patients who had used heroin for more than six years than in those who used it for less time or not at all.¹ They also found that heroin can affect plasma levels as well. Plasma is the liquid portion of blood that makes up around 55 percent of our blood and 45 percent of our red blood cells. Our white blood cells and platelets are suspended in plasma as well. Plasma is responsible for functions including maintaining blood pressure, supplying the body with proteins for blood clotting, carries electrolytes to our muscles, and maintains a proper pH balance.² When blood plasma is affected, it can lead to other health problems like hemolysis.

Individuals with addictions to drugs like heroin and cocaine are more likely to suffer from drug-associated thrombocytopenia. At Banyan Treatment Centers Stuart, we offer a medically monitored detox that serves as the first step in the addiction treatment process. Our detox is led by medical professionals who offer 24-hour care and may administer medications to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. This treatment has helped many patients begin their rehab programs on the right foot.