A Rare Case of Levetiracetam-Induced Hemolytic Anemia

This is the case of a 77-year-old female patient with Alzheimer's disease, complicated by partial complex seizures. Levetiracetam was administered, which provoked hemolytic anemia. An extensive laboratory evaluation was suggestive of a non-immune etiology. Subsequent discontinuation of levetiracetam resulted in improvement of hemoglobin. Pancytopenia has been reported with the use of levetiracetam, but not isolated anemia. With this case report, we want to increase awareness of a potentially serious adverse reaction provoked by levetiracetam, a preferred anticonvulsive drug in the geriatric population.

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Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2026-03-11
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.105064
Primary Topic
Pharmacological Effects and Toxicity Studies
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

A Rare Case of Levetiracetam-Induced Hemolytic Anemia

Katia Sánchez González, Pedro D. Gil de Rubio Cruz, Dorimar Morales Torres
Cureus
Pharmacological Effects and Toxicity Studies
article

A Rare Case of Levetiracetam-Induced Hemolytic Anemia

Katia Sánchez González, Pedro D. Gil de Rubio Cruz, Dorimar Morales Torres
article en

Abstract

This is the case of a 77-year-old female patient with Alzheimer's disease, complicated by partial complex seizures. Levetiracetam was administered, which provoked hemolytic anemia. An extensive laboratory evaluation was suggestive of a non-immune etiology. Subsequent discontinuation of levetiracetam resulted in improvement of hemoglobin. Pancytopenia has been reported with the use of levetiracetam, but not isolated anemia. With this case report, we want to increase awareness of a potentially serious adverse reaction provoked by levetiracetam, a preferred anticonvulsive drug in the geriatric population.

CureusVol. 18(3)
University of Puerto Rico at Río Piedras (PR), Central University of the Caribbean (PR), Puerto Rico Department of Health (PR), University of Puerto Rico at Carolina (PR)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 24%
Pharmacological Effects and Toxicity Studies
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