Severe Adverse Reaction Induced by Albendazole and Praziquantel for Cystic Echinococcosis

A 45-year-old Chinese patient with pulmonary cystic echinococcosis experienced severe adverse reactions, including diarrhea, stomachache, increased bilirubin, hair loss, and acute fatal pancytopenia, 10 days after treatment with albendazole and praziquantel. Although severe reactions like bone marrow suppression are rare, they are more likely in patients undergoing treatment for over 10 days or with liver diseases. Clinicians were advised to monitor gastrointestinal reactions and peripheral blood cells, and to stop medication if the disease progresses. Supportive treatments, such as granulocyte colony-stimulating factor for neutropenia or antibiotics to prevent infection, should be considered.