From the Research
There is no established direct causal relationship between glyphosate exposure and thrombocytopenia. Thrombocytopenia, a condition characterized by abnormally low platelet counts (below 150,000 platelets per microliter of blood), has not been conclusively linked to glyphosate exposure in scientific literature 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. If you're experiencing low platelet counts and suspect it may be related to glyphosate exposure (commonly found in herbicides like Roundup), you should consult with a healthcare provider for proper evaluation. They will likely perform blood tests to confirm thrombocytopenia and investigate potential causes, which commonly include medications, infections, autoimmune disorders, and certain cancers rather than herbicide exposure.
Some key points to consider in the management of thrombocytopenia include:
- The use of thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO-RAs) such as romiplostim and eltrombopag, which have been shown to be effective in increasing platelet counts in patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and other conditions characterized by thrombocytopenia 2, 3, 4, 5.
- The importance of minimizing exposure to glyphosate-containing products, if you work with these chemicals, by wearing protective equipment (gloves, masks, long sleeves) and thoroughly washing after potential contact.
- The potential for immune system disruption or bone marrow suppression as a theoretical mechanism by which glyphosate might affect platelets, although current evidence for this specific effect is limited and inconclusive.
In terms of treatment options for thrombocytopenia, romiplostim and eltrombopag are considered effective and safe for use in patients with ITP and other conditions characterized by thrombocytopenia 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. The choice of treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the thrombocytopenia, as well as the patient's individual needs and medical history. It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment.
The most recent and highest quality study on this topic is from 2025, which evaluated the efficacy and safety of romiplostim and eltrombopag in the management of thrombocytopenia in Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome patients 3. This study demonstrated that both drugs are effective, with a probability of achieving an overall platelet response of 73% for romiplostim and 43% for eltrombopag. Switching to an alternative TPO-RA allowed the achievement of a complete platelet response in 33% of patients after switching to eltrombopag and in 43% after romiplostim initiation.