Drug-Induced Oxidative Hemolysis

A 57 year old woman with a history of depression and insomnia presented with severe anemia and symptoms of oxidative hemolysis. Laboratory findings included low hemoglobin, elevated reticulocytes, and characteristic blood smear features such as bite cells, blister cells, and Heinz bodies. After extensive toxicologic investigation, she disclosed chronic overdose of zopiclone, a nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic. Urine testing confirmed zopiclone use. The diagnosis of drug induced oxidative hemolysis was established, and she was treated with transfusions and referred for psychiatric care.

A 57 year old woman with a history of depression and insomnia presented with severe anemia and symptoms of oxidative hemolysis. Laboratory findings included low hemoglobin, elevated reticulocytes, and characteristic blood smear features such as bite cells, blister cells, and Heinz bodies. After extensive toxicologic investigation, she disclosed chronic overdose of zopiclone, a nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic. Urine testing confirmed zopiclone use. The diagnosis of drug induced oxidative hemolysis was established, and she was treated with transfusions and referred for psychiatric care.