Low neutrophils: Hi have had lupus for many years... - LUPUS UK

LUPUS UK

32,248 members28,608 posts

Low neutrophils

gco34 profile image
6 Replies

Hi have had lupus for many years, now on I am on mycophenalate mofetil, hydrox, statins and warfarin, paracetomal also been on previously methotrexate and azathroprene? have had a bad chest infection for 6 weeks and 2x antibiotics and still had cough, GP sent me for x ray but lungs clear so now being referred to chest clinic?The problem is though that my neutrophils have fallen to 0.6 so have had to stop mycophenalate for a week then another blood test has anyone had similar in low neutrophils ? Maybe spelling not correct....

Written by
gco34 profile image
gco34
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
6 Replies

I'm not an expert, but as far as I understand it, a neutrophil is a white blood cell. White blood cells protect the body against infection and any form of cytotoxic therapy can kill off too many and make them low. This includes Mycophenolate. You will need to take some time off to let your body start making them again. this is why they do blood tests monthly for mycophenolate and similar drugs.

It's a 'side-effect' - but not a nice one, that you can't get over your chest infection.

Take care of yourself, and hope you are better soon.

Alexandria profile image
Alexandria in reply to

I have similar problems with Methotrexate and have to come off it to allow my white blood cell count to go back to normal before I can restart the drug. It doesn't help the overall situation (pain wise) to have to do this but it only lasts for about a fortnight.

gco34 profile image
gco34 in reply toAlexandria

Yes I was on this ages ago and taken off of that< not looking forward to more pains as only have paracetamol for pain relief!

gco34 profile image
gco34 in reply to

Thank you for that

Just also read that Lupus itself can cause low neutrophils, which I didn't know. I don't know how this helps, but it's interesting.

I ended up with a low white cell count (neutropenic) 0.7 and in hospital after a bad infection and had to undergo many tests including a bone marrow biopsy. The results showed that the Azathioprine was the cause and I am now started on Mycophenalate so it's fingers crossed that this works for me. The good news is my white cell count has now risen to 4.8.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Low neutrophils count

Hi. This is my first post here. I've a low WBC of 3.3 and neutrophils count of 1.23. My doctor has...
JenLow profile image

low white cell counts and neutrophils

My son has been diagnosed of chilblain lupus for the last 5 yrs since he was 15 yrs old. He is...
stroseoflimas profile image

Are there side effects on Mycophenolate?

I have been azothiaprine for nearly 10 years but my consultant has now decided to change my...
Maddymay65 profile image

I'm always sleeping

Hi everybody, I have SLE, APS, neuralgia, Rayneuds & Retinal Eschemia. Since June 2014, I've been...
magSLE profile image

Reducing prednisolone

Have been on prednisolone plus immunosuppressants for over 6 years for sle, lupus profundus and...
Andfiona profile image

Moderation team

See all
Debbie_kinsey profile image
Debbie_kinseyAdministrator
chelseawong profile image
chelseawongAdministrator
michaellasmith profile image
michaellasmithAdministrator

Top community tags

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.