Which monitoring schedule applies to clozapine therapy?

• A. ANC Weekly for 26 Weeks, Biweekly for 26 Weeks, Then Monthly
• B. Renal Function Daily
• C. Lipid Panel Yearly
• D. Blood Glucose Monthly

Answer: (A)

Clozapine requires regular monitoring of the absolute neutrophil count because of the risk of agranulocytosis. To catch drops in neutrophils early while still allowing time at a stable phase, the schedule starts with weekly ANC checks for the first six months, then switches to biweekly checks for the next six months, and finally moves to monthly checks thereafter as long as counts stay above safe levels. This stepped approach balances safety with practicality, reducing monitoring frequency as the patient remains stable.

Other options don’t target neutrophil monitoring, which is why they aren’t the standard clozapine safety schedule. Renal function daily isn’t the primary concern for clozapine, and while metabolic monitoring like lipid panels and glucose tests is important for antipsychotics in general, it doesn’t define the specific ANC-based monitoring rhythm used to prevent agranulocytosis.