Risk Factors
Aplastic anemia is rare, affecting only an estimated two people per every million in the United States. Factors that can increase your risk include: - Treatment with high-dose radiation or chemotherapy for cancer
- Exposure to toxic chemicals
- Use of prescription drugs — such as chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin) used to treat bacterial infections and gold compounds used to treat rheumatoid arthritis — that are known to induce aplastic anemia
- Use of inhalants — such as paint thinner, gasoline, nail polish remover, glues and lighter fluid
- Certain blood diseases, autoimmune disorders and serious infections
- Pregnancy, rarely
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