Neutrophils

[4youreyesonly]

Hello,I have been on methotrexate for over ten years now and have intramuscular steroid injection when bad.My immune system has decided too attack my neutrophils now ( definitely not the medication) anybody else have this? Thanks

[LottieLou96]

I've never had those medications personally but I have always been neutropenic from the lupus.

Methotrexate has the ability to cause neutropenia transiently when your ill, under the weather, in renal dysfunction, liver disease or with consumption of alcohol or in times of great stress.

Sometimes it's borderline low for a host of reasons. I would be concerned if it was very low, due to the risk of serious infection. But I'm sure your doc would've been more prompt if there was anything too much to worry about.

My lupus causes moderate neutropenia, amongst other immune system cells/proteins. If you feel your lupus symptoms are getting worse maybe seek help. If it's just a bit borderline, it could be as above, a lot of causes.

Stay safe, sorry I can't be of much help

Lottie

[4youreyesonly in reply to LottieLou96]

Thanks for your reply .Yes I’m well looked after ,just joined and wondered if it was quite common.

[Greenfingers67]

I'm not on either of those medications but have had neutropenia since (and probably before) being diagnosed with mixed connective tissue disease over 10 years ago. In my case it was that which made the doctors investigate my long standing joint pain. At my last appointment my consultant discussed going on to methotrexate as I've had a few new symptoms. One of the things he said was as my fluctuations of neutrophils indicate disease activity, they would be masked by neutropenia caused by the methotrexate. For the moment I'm sticking with hydroxy and naproxen but also have an emergency steroid pack if needed.