Problems, Problems.

[Scorpius]

For the last 12mths I have been having monthly injections of Simponi golimumab, and monthly blood tests, approx. 9 months ago I had a telephone call from the consultant at the hospital informing me that my "white blood count recorded 0.2" stop Simponi injections until further notice, within 2 weeks the pain in my muscles was unbelievable I had no option to tolerate this together with the total fatigue, this went on for 2/3 months upon which time I consulted my local G.P. who prescribed 5X5mg " Prednisolone" (steroid tablets) daily, the pain was reduced considerably, after many blood tests the white count climbed up to 4.5 I stopped taking the steroids and restarted the Simponi injections, which I have had for the last 4mths, 3 weeks ago the pain came back I have contacted the Hospital but the earliest appointment available is 2/3/15, back to G.P. blood test recorded white count 1.0, I am now back on the steroids 25mg daily, I am due for my next monthly injection of Simponi next week and I expect the G.P. to stop this. My question is, if I constantly stop and restart the simpony will this cause problems and has anybody else experienced similar problems.

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I haven't heard of Simponi, but having such a low white count sounds scary.

Stopping and starting meds has been a habit of mine for years. I suppose the obvious problems are that either untreated RA can cause permanent damage to joints. But very low white counts is a big risk because you can't fight infections.

But what do I know? I'm no medic.

Maybe your GP can organise an urgent apt at Rheumy, and over-ride the system for you so you can get the advice you need soon.

In the past I have rung and spoken to my Consultant's secretary and she has pushed me ahead of the queue in the past.

Hope a Simponi expert is around on here for you soon.