What is a key requirement when a patient is started on clozapine treatment?

A key requirement when a patient is started on clozapine treatment is to monitor weekly white blood cell (WBC) and absolute neutrophil count (ANC). Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic that is highly effective for treatment-resistant schizophrenia but carries a significant risk of agranulocytosis, a potentially life-threatening reduction in white blood cells that can lead to severe infections.

To mitigate this risk, patients undergoing treatment with clozapine must have their ANC monitored regularly, especially during the initial phase of treatment. The protocol generally requires weekly monitoring for the first six months, followed by less frequent checks if the patient's white blood cell counts remain stable. This essential safety measure is mandated by regulatory agencies and is critical to ensuring patient safety while benefiting from clozapine's therapeutic effects.

Other options, while they may be relevant to general healthcare or specific conditions, are not specific monitoring requirements associated with clozapine therapy. For example, electrocardiogram monitoring is not routinely required unless there are specific concerns about cardiac health. Similarly, fasting plasma glucose testing is not a primary requirement when initiating clozapine, although monitoring for metabolic side effects is advisable in the long run. Hemoglobin and hematocrit measurements