A high platelet count medically as thrombocytosis is a condition which causes your blood to become too sticky. Platelets are tiny blood cells. They are made in your bone marrow along with other kinds of blood cells. When you are injured, platelets stick together to form a plug that seals your wound. This plug is called a blood clot. Platelets are also called thrombocytes, because a blood clot is also called a thrombus. If your platelet count is too high, blood clots can form in your blood vessels. This can block blood flow through your body.
A high platelet level may be detected in a routine blood test known as a complete blood count. Tests measure average platelet levels per microliter (mcL) of blood. Below are guideline platelet levels.
| Result | Platelet count |
| high platelet level (thrombocytosis) | more than 450,000 |
| normal platelet level | 150,000–450,000 |
| low platelet level (thrombocytopenia) | less than 150,000 |
Thrombocytosis can be caused by a variety of factors, including certain medications. In this article, we will explore medications that can cause high platelet counts.
1. Anagrelide
Anagrelide is a medication used to treat a blood disorder called essential thrombocythemia, which is characterized by the overproduction of platelets. Anagrelide works by reducing the production of platelets in the bone marrow. However, one of the side effects of anagrelide is thrombocytosis. In clinical trials, up to 70% of patients taking anagrelide developed high platelet counts.
2. Aspirin
Aspirin is a common over-the-counter medication used to relieve pain, reduce fever, and prevent blood clots. Aspirin works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are substances that play a role in blood clotting. However, aspirin can also cause thrombocytosis, especially in high doses. This is because aspirin can interfere with the normal function of platelets, leading to an increase in platelet production.
3. Iron supplements
Iron supplements are commonly used to treat iron deficiency anemia, a condition in which there is a lack of red blood cells due to low iron levels. However, iron supplements can also cause thrombocytosis. This is because iron is required for the production of red blood cells and platelets. When iron levels increase in the body, it can lead to an increase in platelet production.
4. Epinephrine
Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, is a hormone and medication used to treat severe allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and cardiac arrest. Epinephrine works by constricting blood vessels and increasing heart rate, which can help to improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to the body. However, epinephrine can also cause thrombocytosis. This is because epinephrine can stimulate the bone marrow to produce more platelets.
5. Estrogen therapy
Estrogen therapy is a type of hormone replacement therapy used to treat menopausal symptoms and prevent osteoporosis. Estrogen works by binding to estrogen receptors in the body, which can help to reduce bone loss and improve bone density. However, estrogen therapy can also cause thrombocytosis. This is because estrogen can stimulate the bone marrow to produce more platelets.
6. Interferon
Interferon is a medication used to treat a variety of conditions, including hepatitis B and C, multiple sclerosis, and certain types of cancer. Interferon works by stimulating the immune system to fight off viruses and cancer cells. However, one of the side effects of interferon is thrombocytosis. In clinical trials, up to 35% of patients taking interferon developed high platelet counts.
7. Methotrexate
Methotrexate is a medication used to treat a variety of conditions, including cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis. Methotrexate works by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells and reducing inflammation in the body. However, methotrexate can also cause thrombocytosis. This is because methotrexate can interfere with the normal function of platelets, leading to an increase in platelet production.
8. Tamoxifen
Tamoxifen is a medication used to treat breast cancer and reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence. Tamoxifen works by blocking the effects of estrogen in the body, which can help to slow or stop the growth of breast cancer cells. However, tamoxifen can also cause thrombocytosis. In clinical trials, up to 15% of patients taking tamoxifen developed high platelet counts.
9. Thiazide diuretics
Thiazide diuretics are a type of medication used to treat high blood pressure and other conditions, such as edema and kidney stones. Thiazide diuretics work by increasing urine output and reducing fluid buildup in the body. However, thiazide diuretics can also cause thrombocytosis. This is because thiazide diuretics can stimulate the bone marrow to produce more platelets.
10. Vitamin B12 supplements
Vitamin B12 supplements are commonly used to treat vitamin B12 deficiency, a condition in which there is a lack of vitamin B12 in the body. Vitamin B12 is required for the production of red blood cells and platelets. When vitamin B12 levels increase in the body, it can lead to an increase in platelet production.
How to prevent medication induced thrombocytes
Preventing medication-induced thrombocytosis can be challenging, as it depends on the specific medication and condition being treated. However, there are some steps that can be taken to minimize the risk of developing high platelet counts while taking medication:
1. Regularly monitoring platelet counts: It is important to have your platelet counts regularly monitored while taking medication that may increase the risk of thrombocytosis. This can help detect any changes in platelet counts early on, which can help prevent complications.
2. Following medication instructions: It is important to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider when taking medication. This includes taking the medication at the prescribed dosage and frequency, and not stopping or changing the medication without first consulting your healthcare provider.
3. Considering alternative medications: If you have a history of thrombocytosis or are at an increased risk of developing it, your healthcare provider may consider alternative medications that do not increase the risk of high platelet counts.
4. Staying hydrated: Staying hydrated can help reduce the risk of blood clots by keeping the blood flowing smoothly. It is important to drink plenty of water and other fluids while taking medication.
5. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of thrombocytosis. This includes eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
6. Seeking medical attention: If you experience symptoms of thrombocytosis, such as blood clots, excessive bleeding, or bruising, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Your healthcare provider may recommend a change in medication or further testing to evaluate your platelet counts.
Conclusion
Thrombocytosis can be caused by several medications, including Anagrelide, aspirin, iron supplements, epinephrine, estrogen therapy, interferon, methotrexate, tamoxifen, thiazide diuretics, and vitamin B12 supplements. If you are taking any of these medications and develop symptoms of thrombocytosis, such as blood clots, excessive bleeding, or bruising, you should contact your doctor or healthcare provider immediately. They may recommend a change in medication or further testing to evaluate your platelet counts.
