Which additional monitoring is essential for patients on Clozapine?

Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic that has been associated with a risk of agranulocytosis, a potentially life-threatening decrease in white blood cell count. Because of this risk, patients on Clozapine require close monitoring of their blood cell counts, specifically the absolute neutrophil count (ANC), to ensure they remain within a safe range. This monitoring is crucial early in treatment and continues throughout the patient's time on the medication.

In addition to regular blood tests to monitor the ANC, cardiac monitoring is also important due to the risk of myocarditis and cardiomyopathy associated with Clozapine. This makes regular assessments of both blood counts and cardiac health essential components of the overall monitoring strategy for patients prescribed this medication.

The other monitoring options listed, while important in various contexts, do not address the specific and primary concerns associated with Clozapine use. Daily weight checks, frequent psychological evaluations, and monthly liver function tests do not provide the essential surveillance needed to mitigate the serious risks linked to Clozapine treatment. Thus, regular blood tests and cardiac monitoring stand out as the critical components of ongoing patient care for those receiving Clozapine.