Clopidogrel-induced hepatotoxicity and fever

Pharmacotherapy. 2006 Jul;26(7):1023-6. doi: 10.1592/phco.26.7.1023.

Abstract

A 59-year-old woman developed fever and elevated hepatic enzyme levels within days of starting clopidogrel, which had been prescribed in conjunction with a percutaneous coronary intervention. When she discontinued the clopidogrel, her liver enzyme levels returned to baseline and her fever disappeared. These signs and symptoms returned after rechallenge with clopidogrel. Monitoring for fever and elevation of liver enzyme levels in patients taking clopidogrel may be warranted. If a patient has signs of hepatotoxicity with or without fever, discontinuation of clopidogrel should be considered, along with substitution with ticlopidine if clinically warranted.

MeSH terms

  • Alanine Transaminase / blood
  • Alkaline Phosphatase / blood
  • Aspartate Aminotransferases / blood
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / blood
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / enzymology
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / etiology*
  • Clopidogrel
  • Female
  • Fever
  • Humans
  • Liver Function Tests
  • Middle Aged
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / adverse effects*
  • Ticlopidine / adverse effects
  • Ticlopidine / analogs & derivatives*

Substances

  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
  • Clopidogrel
  • Aspartate Aminotransferases
  • Alanine Transaminase
  • Alkaline Phosphatase
  • Ticlopidine