low white cell count on mtx | Arthritis Information

Got my blood test back and after 9 weeks on mtx my white cell count and lympacites have gone low. Has this happened to anyone else. I did have the start of a sinus infection in the days before the blood sample was taken, could it be that? Got started on an antibiotic for the infection which has cleared and feel good.
Seeing my RD this Wednesday but own GP not much help with info as to if I should take my MTX tomorrow or not, would it make a big difference to wait until I see the RD? I know you should never take the MTX early but wonder if taking it 48hrs later is ok?
Would be delighted to hear your opinions.

Chris

I've had this happen to me a couple of times. I was told to stop taking my mtx until the white blood cell count went back up. Took a couple of weeks for that to happen.

It won't hurt to see your doctor first before taking the mtx...just to see what he/she has to say about it.

Good luck!

Maybe you could call your RD's office and ask if you should take the methotrexate tomorrow. Methotrexate isn't a drug you need to taper, so taking it 48 hours late isn't going to be a problem, other than it might throw you into a flare.

As far as Methotrexate causing a low white blood count, yes it can do that. But how low were your WBC's? That (actually the entire CBC result) is the information your RD will need in order to determine whether or not you should continue taking it.

Good luck!

A form of anemia called chronic illness anemia is fairly common with RA, so it may not have anything to do with the MTX. Can you call your RD? I can leave a message and usually get an answer back the same day. I doubt that 48hrs would make a difference on the MTX, but it would be good to get an answer from your RD sooner so you didn't feel anxious about it.

Infections usually cause the white blood cell count to increase, not decrease, though the antibiotic might have some effect.

Alan

Hi, I'd wait to see the RD, LyndaBrisen,
The WCC was 3.0 but the Lymp was 0.7. All the rest were fine, well within the 'normal' range. My esr was down 3 points which is good, i think ?
I know will not be able to contact the RD tomorrow so I will hold off the MTX until I see him wednesday I think.
Hi, I just talked to a guy today who's aunt almost died from low white blood cells and damage to her pancreas from enbrel!! Geeze has anyone heard of this before? He said 4 people were being treated in the LA hospital the same time his aunt was there, and that they had been taking Enbrel????does anyone know? LyndaI was in the hospital for one week due to Methotrexate induced luekemia. These medicines and sickness are nothing to play around with!

Hi Chris, when my sister was on MTX she had to take hers a few days late because of a sinus infection. No ill effects that we knew of at the time. After 7 mos she was taken off it though, because it never worked for her and she developed some serious lung problems. The Dr. is pretty sure she has RA Lung but didn't want to take a chance again with the MTX, being a small risk it was a side effect of the medicine. Good Luck and God Bless whatever you decide to do...