Haemolytic anaemia complicating the concurrent use of allopurinol & azathioprine after kidney transplantation

Gout is a common problem in renal transplant recipients but often difficult to treat. Allopurinol can be combined with azathioprine but clinicians should be aware of the need for dose reduction, the potential to measure azathioprine breakdown products and the possible side effects of this combination. Leucopenia is a known side effect but this case report shows that haemolytic anaemia can also occur. [Int J Basic Clin Pharmacol 2013; 2(3.000): 330-332]