Case study: drug-induced neutropenia

Key learning points Adverse drug reactions to piperacillin with tazobactam are rare and it is generally considered safe and effective. Neutropenia is a documented side effect of Tazocin. Clinicians should be aware of the value of monitoring full blood counts following commencement of Tazocin treatment to avoid harm to patients. Summary A older female patient was treated for flare up of chronic bilateral lower limb cellulitis. During the first week she was treated with intravenous flucloxacillin and remained stable, but without any significant improvement. On day nine, the patient’s infection markers worsened with rising neutrophil counts. Antibiotic therapy was switched