White cell counts on Actemra

[dwsurquhart]

Hello all of you in RA land.

I have been doing a bit of research on my bloodwork and have noticed something you folk on Actemra might like.

The last couple if infusions of Actemra I have received, i have had the dosage lowered. I started at 600mg IV q4weeks (7 months), 2 have been at 480mg and the last at 400mg.

I have noticed that I started to feel better so I started looking at my bloodwork numbers. My WBC has started to increase into the normal range with the lower dose. This in theory should help keep the secondary infections away. This is a good thing.

However, I have noticed that my platelet count has dropped to below the normal range. Not a lot but 5 points. I have noticed that when I am at the lab for bloodwork that it now takes upwards of 1 1/2 minutes before the needle hole stops bleeding. Used to be like 10 seconds. This is a little concerning to me as I tend to smash my knuckles when working on the car or different equipment.

Has anyone found a way to get the platelet count up?

My current med load is 400mg iv q 4weeks Actemra (Tocilizumab), tylenol #3 2/day, doxycycline 2/day (helps with cartilage retention), furosemide 10mg once every few days to keep water retention in check.

Cheers and hope all are well and functioning at your highest levels with the least amount of pain possible.

Scott