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Tanzer T, Pham B, Warren N, Barras M, Kisely S, Siskind D. Overcoming clozapine's adverse events: a narrative review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2024; 23:811-831. [PMID: 38814794 DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2024.2362796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Clozapine is the gold standard treatment for treatment-resistant schizophrenia, however adverse events remain a clinical challenge. AREAS COVERED This review presents a narrative synthesis of systematic reviews and meta-analyses that have reported the onset, incidence, prevalence, and management of clozapine's adverse events. We conducted a systematic literature search using PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, OvidMEDLINE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews from inception to April 2024. EXPERT OPINION Effective management of clozapine's adverse events necessitates multi-faceted, individualized, and shared-decision strategies. Despite a lack of high-quality systematic evidence, expert inter-disciplinary solutions are provided to help address a critical need for clinical guidance. This 35-year update offers an evidence-based framework to assist clinicians, patients, and caregivers navigate the adverse events associated with clozapine therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Tanzer
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Department of Pharmacy, Brisbane, Australia
- Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Betty Pham
- Department of Pharmacy, Metro South Community and Oral Health, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Nicola Warren
- Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Metro South Addiction and Mental Health Service, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Michael Barras
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Department of Pharmacy, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Steve Kisely
- Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Metro South Addiction and Mental Health Service, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Dan Siskind
- Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Metro South Addiction and Mental Health Service, Brisbane, Australia
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Giles G, Varghese S, Shymko G, Nguyen T, Waters F. Clozapine Therapy and COVID-19: A Systematic Review of the Prevalence Rates, Health Outcomes, Hematological Markers, and Patient Perspectives. Schizophr Bull 2023; 49:53-67. [PMID: 36242537 PMCID: PMC9620749 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbac148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES There have been concerns that clozapine treatment may undermine the capacity of the body to fight infection and increase the vulnerability to contracting COVID-19. This review of recent cohort studies investigated (1) whether people with a severe psychiatric disorder are at increased risk of COVID-19 and complications, (2) the immunological response of clozapine-users who contract COVID-19, and (3) patients' perspectives on COVID-19 and the pandemic response. METHODS A systematic search of EMBASE, Medline, Pubmed, and PsycINFO databases using PRISMA guidelines using "COVID-19", "clozapine", and "vaccination" terms. RESULTS 18 studies (out of 330 identified) met all criteria (N = 119 054 including 8045 on clozapine). There was no strong evidence that clozapine users may be at increased risk of contracting COVID-19 or developing complications after adjusting for medical comorbidities. Hematological studies showed temporary reductions in neutrophils in COVID-19-positive patients and vaccination suggesting a clozapine effect in defence against infection. Vaccination studies did not report major adverse effects. Increased plasma levels of clozapine and neutropenia however point to COVID-19-related interference of clozapine metabolism. Patient surveys reported limited impact on mental health and positive attitudes regarding pandemic response. CONCLUSION This review did not find compelling evidence that the immune system of clozapine users put them at risk of COVID-19 and further complications. Evidence of drug-infection interactions however points to the importance of adhering to consensus guidelines about clozapine therapy during the pandemic. More evidence using longitudinal designs is required to examine the longer-term effects of COVID-19 and vaccination in this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Giles
- South Metropolitan Health Service, Peel and Rockingham Kwinana (PaRK) Mental Health Service, Rockingham, Western Australia, 6168, Australia
| | - Sunny Varghese
- South Metropolitan Health Service, Peel and Rockingham Kwinana (PaRK) Mental Health Service, Rockingham, Western Australia, 6168, Australia
| | - Gordon Shymko
- South Metropolitan Health Service, Peel and Rockingham Kwinana (PaRK) Mental Health Service, Rockingham, Western Australia, 6168, Australia
| | - Thinh Nguyen
- South Metropolitan Health Service, Peel and Rockingham Kwinana (PaRK) Mental Health Service, Rockingham, Western Australia, 6168, Australia
- Division of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
| | - Flavie Waters
- Division of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
- School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
- Clinical Research Centre, Graylands Hospital Campus, North Metropolitan Area Services-Mental Health, Brockway Road, Mount Claremont, Perth, Western Australia, 6010, Australia
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Gurrera RJ, Gearin PF, Love J, Li KJ, Xu A, Donaghey FH, Gerace MR. Recognition and management of clozapine adverse effects: A systematic review and qualitative synthesis. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2022; 145:423-441. [PMID: 35178700 DOI: 10.1111/acps.13406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Clozapine is substantially underutilized in most countries and clinician factors including lack of knowledge and concerns about adverse drug effects (ADEs) contribute strongly to treatment reluctance. The aim of this systematic review was to provide clinicians with a comprehensive information source regarding clozapine ADEs. METHODS PubMed and Embase databases were searched for English language reviews concerned with clozapine ADEs; publications identified by the automated search were manually searched for additional relevant citations. Following exclusion of redundant and irrelevant reports, pertinent information was summarized in evidence tables corresponding to each of six major ADE domains; two authors reviewed all citations for each ADE domain and summarized their content by consensus in the corresponding evidence table. This study was conducted in accordance with PRISMA principles. RESULTS Primary and secondary searches identified a total of 305 unique reports, of which 152 were included in the qualitative synthesis. Most clozapine ADEs emerge within 3 months, and almost all appear within 6 months, after initiation. Notable exceptions are weight gain, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), severe clozapine-induced gastrointestinal hypomotility (CIGH), clozapine-induced cardiomyopathy (CICM), seizures, and clozapine-induced neutropenia (CIN). Most clozapine ADEs subside gradually or respond to dose reduction; those that prompt discontinuation generally do not preclude rechallenge. Rechallenge is generally inadvisable for clozapine-induced myocarditis (CIM), CICM, and clozapine-induced agranulocytosis (CIA). Clozapine plasma levels >600-1000 μg/L appear more likely to cause certain ADEs (e.g., seizures) and, although there is no clear toxicity threshold, risk/benefit ratios are generally unfavorable above 1000 μg/L. CONCLUSION Clozapine ADEs rarely require discontinuation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald J Gurrera
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Priya F Gearin
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Jonathan Love
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kevin J Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaiser Permanente Fremont Medical Center, Fremont, California, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Ashley Xu
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Faith H Donaghey
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Matthew R Gerace
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Handley SA, Every-Palmer S, Ismail A, Flanagan RJ. Clozapine-induced gastrointestinal hypomotility: presenting features and outcomes, UK pharmacovigilance reports, 1992-2017. Br J Psychiatry 2022; 220:1-9. [PMID: 35164895 DOI: 10.1192/bjp.2022.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clozapine-induced gastrointestinal hypomotility (CIGH) affects some 75% of patients treated with clozapine. AIMS To document the incidence of potentially harmful CIGH in the UK. METHOD We studied spontaneous UK pharmacovigilance reports recorded as clozapine-related gastrointestinal adverse drug reactions, 1992-2017. RESULTS There were 527 patients reported with potentially harmful CIGH; 33% (n = 172) died. Deaths averaged 1 per year 1992-1999, 5 per year 2000-2009 and 15 per year 2010-2017. Those who died were older (median 52 years v. 49 years) and had been prescribed clozapine for longer than those who recovered (median 11.3 years v. 4.8 years), but there was no difference in prescribed dose. Within the first 4 years of clozapine treatment, there were 169 reports of CIGH, of which 3% (n = 5) were fatal. At 10-14 years there were 63 reports of CIGH, of which 25% (n = 16) were fatal. Among the deaths, males were younger (median 51, range 22-89 v. median 57, range 24-89 years) with higher clozapine doses (median 450, range 100-900 v. median 300, range 12.5-800 mg/d) than females. In non-fatal CIGH, surgery was the most frequent outcome (n = 92). The procedures included appendectomy, ileostomy, total/partial colectomy, colostomy/stoma and proctosigmoidectomy. Clozapine dosage was reduced in 6 patients, stopped and restarted in 23, 'continued' in 6 and discontinued permanently in at least 76 patients. CONCLUSIONS The risk of serious morbidity/mortality from CIGH is substantial. The need to actively monitor bowel function and give laxatives to patients treated with clozapine is clear.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Handley
- Department of Pathology, Royal Hobart Hospital, Australia
| | - S Every-Palmer
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, New Zealand
| | - A Ismail
- Manor Drive Medical Centre and West Barnes Surgery, UK and Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, UK
| | - R J Flanagan
- Precision Medicine, Networked Services, King's College Hospital, UK
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Govind R, Fonseca de Freitas D, Pritchard M, Hayes RD, MacCabe JH. Clozapine treatment and risk of COVID-19 infection: retrospective cohort study. Br J Psychiatry 2021; 219:368-374. [PMID: 32713374 PMCID: PMC7417985 DOI: 10.1192/bjp.2020.151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clozapine, an antipsychotic with unique efficacy in treatment-resistant psychosis, is associated with increased susceptibility to infection, including pneumonia. AIMS To investigate associations between clozapine treatment and increased risk of COVID-19 infection in patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders who are receiving antipsychotic medications in a geographically defined population in London, UK. METHOD Using information from South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLAM) clinical records, via the Clinical Record Interactive Search system, we identified 6309 individuals who had an ICD-10 diagnosis of schizophrenia-spectrum disorders and were taking antipsychotics at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic onset in the UK. People who were on clozapine treatment were compared with those on any other antipsychotic treatment for risk of contracting COVID-19 between 1 March and 18 May 2020. We tested associations between clozapine treatment and COVID-19 infection, adjusting for gender, age, ethnicity, body mass index (BMI), smoking status and SLAM service use. RESULTS Of 6309 participants, 102 tested positive for COVID-19. Individuals who were on clozapine had increased risk of COVID-19 infection compared with those who were on other antipsychotic medication (unadjusted hazard ratio HR = 2.62, 95% CI 1.73-3.96), which was attenuated after adjusting for potential confounders, including clinical contact (adjusted HR = 1.76, 95% CI 1.14-2.72). CONCLUSIONS These findings provide support for the hypothesis that clozapine treatment is associated with an increased risk of COVID-19 infection. Further research will be needed in other samples to confirm this association. Potential clinical implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Risha Govind
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London; and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London, UK
| | - Daniela Fonseca de Freitas
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London; and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London, UK
| | - Megan Pritchard
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London; and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London, UK
| | - Richard D. Hayes
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London; and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London, UK
| | - James H. MacCabe
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London; and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London; and National Psychosis Unit, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Nadalin S, Jakovac H, Peitl V, Karlović D, Buretić-Tomljanović A. Dysregulated inflammation may predispose patients with serious mental illnesses to severe COVID‑19 (Review). Mol Med Rep 2021; 24:611. [PMID: 34184073 PMCID: PMC8258463 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic and nongenetic factors associated with an increased inflammatory response may mediate a link between severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19) and serious mental illness (SMI). However, systematic assessment of inflammatory response‑related factors associated with SMI that could influence COVID‑19 outcomes is lacking. In the present review, dietary patterns, smoking and the use of psychotropic medications are discussed as potential extrinsic risk factors and angiotensin‑converting enzyme (ACE) insertion/deletion (I/D) gene polymorphisms are considered as potential intrinsic risk factors. A genetics‑based prediction model for SMI using ACE‑I/D genotyping is also proposed for use in patients experiencing severe COVID‑19. Furthermore, the literature suggests that ACE inhibitors may have protective effects against SMI or severe COVID‑19, which is often linked to hypertension and other cardiovascular comorbidities. For this reason, we hypothesize that using these medications to treat patients with severe COVID‑19 might yield improved outcomes, including in the context of SMI associated with COVID‑19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergej Nadalin
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Hrvoje Jakovac
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Vjekoslav Peitl
- Department of Psychiatry, Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital Center and Catholic University of Croatia, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Dalibor Karlović
- Department of Psychiatry, Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital Center and Catholic University of Croatia, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Alena Buretić-Tomljanović
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
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Ben Dhia A, Hamzaoui S, Mouaffak F. [Clozapine prescription in the wake of the coronavirus (SARS CoV-2) outbreak: What measures? Why?]. Encephale 2020; 46:S123-S124. [PMID: 32317164 PMCID: PMC7166252 DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2020.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A Ben Dhia
- Pôle 93G04 de Psychiatrie d'Adultes; EPS Ville Evrard. 5 rue du Dr Delafontaine 93200, Saint Denis, France
| | - S Hamzaoui
- Pôle 93G04 de Psychiatrie d'Adultes; EPS Ville Evrard. 5 rue du Dr Delafontaine 93200, Saint Denis, France
| | - F Mouaffak
- Pôle 93G04 de Psychiatrie d'Adultes; EPS Ville Evrard. 5 rue du Dr Delafontaine 93200, Saint Denis, France.
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de Leon J, Ruan CJ, Schoretsanitis G, Kane JM. Dose and safety concerns of clozapine: Worldwide package inserts need revisions. Schizophr Res 2020; 216:2-4. [PMID: 31926811 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2019.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 12/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jose de Leon
- Mental Health Research Center, Eastern State Hospital, Lexington, KY, USA.
| | - Can-Jun Ruan
- Laboratory of Clinical Psychopharmacology & The National Clinical Research Centre for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Lab of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | | | - John M Kane
- Department of Psychiatry, Zucker Hillside Hospital, Northwell Health, Glen Oaks, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Molecular Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA.
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