Guest guest Posted February 20, 2003 Report Share Posted February 20, 2003 I had bloodwork done yesterday, and my white blood cell count is 2.2, an all-time low point (normal 4.0-10.5). When it was 2.8 about three months ago, my rheumy took me off mtx and left me taking only 10mg of Arava (along with Bextra). A couple of weeks later, it had risen to 3.2, so I was really encouraged that it would continue to go up. That is such a measly dose of Arava. And it is keeping my pain away so well. I knew it was too good to be true. I have an appointment Monday with my rheumy, and I'm afraid he'll take me off the Arava. I haven't really been catching a lot of infections as a result of such a low count. In November I had a cold and sinus infection and went to my PCP and got an antibiotic, which knocked it out. I've had a cold this week, but it's just about gone now. Is there something I can do to raise that count? Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 21, 2003 Report Share Posted February 21, 2003 Aside from discontinuing the drug, I'm not sure what else you can do about it, Sue. I know that would be very disappointing for you if you had to stop the Arava, but you have to consider your long-term safety, too. You and your doctor will have a lot to talk about on Monday. Please let us know about the discussion. Still thinking, [ ] White blood cell count > I had bloodwork done yesterday, and my white blood cell count is 2.2, an > all-time low point (normal 4.0-10.5). > > When it was 2.8 about three months ago, my rheumy took me off mtx and left > me taking only 10mg of Arava (along with Bextra). A couple of weeks later, > it had risen to 3.2, so I was really encouraged that it would continue to go > up. > > That is such a measly dose of Arava. And it is keeping my pain away so well. > I knew it was too good to be true. > > I have an appointment Monday with my rheumy, and I'm afraid he'll take me > off the Arava. > > I haven't really been catching a lot of infections as a result of such a low > count. In November I had a cold and sinus infection and went to my PCP and > got an antibiotic, which knocked it out. I've had a cold this week, but it's > just about gone now. > > Is there something I can do to raise that count? > > Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 27, 2007 Report Share Posted November 27, 2007 Hi a! - my white count is marginally low, too. I've been on Enbrel for 3 1/2 years. My rheumatologist tells me that is the way Enbrel works - those of us on this med. have to be extra careful about about infections of any kind - they threaten our immune system already compromised by drugs like Enbrel - Lilian rascalsniche@... wrote: Do any of you have problems with low white counts? i know the meds can cause it...my count was 3.7 and should be around 4.4 or something like that. Just wondering if any of you get this? I know enbrel and arava can affect them. Always something, huh? Hugs..a ************************************** Check out AOL's list of 2007's hottest products. (http://money.aol.com/special/hot-products-2007?NCID=aoltop00030000000001) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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