The first-line drug for treating chronic aplastic anemia

Jun 28, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I have been experiencing dizziness, fatigue, and insomnia with frequent dreams recently. After visiting the hospital, the doctor diagnosed me with chronic aplastic anemia. May I ask what is the first-line medication for treating chronic aplastic anemia?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Feng
The first-line drugs for the treatment of chronic aplastic anemia mainly include: 1. **Androgens**: Androgenic agents are among the first-line drugs for treating chronic aplastic anemia, with an overall efficacy rate reaching 50%-60%. Androgens promote erythropoiesis in the bone marrow by increasing the levels of erythropoietin in the body. Commonly used androgenic drugs include stanozolol and testosterone undecanoate. Generally, it takes about six months of treatment before the therapeutic effect can be assessed. 2. **Cyclosporine**: As an immunosuppressive agent, cyclosporine is also an important drug in the treatment of chronic aplastic anemia. It works by inhibiting T lymphocytes in the body, thereby reducing the damage caused by T lymphocytes to hematopoietic stem cells and achieving the therapeutic goal. However, cyclosporine has significant side effects, such as gingival hyperplasia and liver or kidney function impairment. Regular monitoring and dosage adjustments are required. The treatment of chronic aplastic anemia should comprehensively consider the patient's specific condition and response to medication in order to select an appropriate therapeutic regimen.