Serious adverse effects induced by simultaneous administration of two nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

South Med J. 1993 Nov;86(11):1266-8. doi: 10.1097/00007611-199311000-00018.

Abstract

We have described the case of a 58-year-old woman in whom acute hemolytic anemia, renal failure, and granulocytopenia developed after intake of mefenamic acid and diclofenac. Results of direct and indirect Coombs' tests were negative, but the lymphocyte transformation test was positive for these two nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). We suggest that the immune complex mechanism could have induced these adverse reactions. Although these drugs are very popular, simultaneous administration should be avoided because serious adverse effects can potentially occur.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Kidney Injury / chemically induced
  • Agranulocytosis / chemically induced
  • Anemia, Hemolytic / chemically induced
  • Diclofenac / adverse effects*
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Headache / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Mefenamic Acid / adverse effects*
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Diclofenac
  • Mefenamic Acid