[1] In some cases, a drug can cause the immune system to mistakenly think the body's own red blood cells are dangerous, foreign substances.

[7] Common symptoms of DIIHA are fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, bloody or dark urine,[1] weakness, and palpitations.

Drug-independent autoantibodies are found in Drug-induced autoimmune hemolytic anemia because of beta-lactamase inhibitors and platinum-based chemotherapeutics.

These autoantibodies can sometimes bind and react to red blood cells even in the absence of whatever drug triggered the anemia.

[8] Drug-induced autoimmune hemolytic anemia causes a significant drop in hemoglobin and hematocrit.

Direct antiglobulin testing can determine if complement C3 antibody and/or immunoglobulin G is bound to the red blood cell membrane.

[4] A positive direct antiglobulin test differentiates immune-mediated hemolytic anemia from a nonimmune-mediated cause.

Once DIIHA has been recognized, the patient must stop whatever drug caused the anemia in order to provide proper treatment.

[9] If drug-independent autoantibodies are involved and stopping the offending agents results in no response then intravenous immunoglobulins and immunosuppressants such as rituximab, azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, danazol, and mycophenolate can be used.