Low WBC and worried

[ryn17]

Hello everyone, am new here but was diagnosed with RA twelve years ago, I have also been on 15mg of MTX in the last five years, while am couping well on the drug am worried that my wbc has declined to 3000 from 6500, has anyone had similar experience ?, please share.

[oldtimer]

There was a discussion on here about this problem a few years ago, it might still be here if you put low WBC into the search box.

It does seem quite a common problem, usually settling down again, but occasionally means that you have to stop or reduce the dose for a while or even change medication.

There are other causes for having a reduced WBC, amongst them having some viral infections which can do this for a short while, so important to consult your health care team about its management.

[ryn17 in reply to oldtimer]

Thanks a lot for your response, I feel better knowing am not alone, I will read up some more on old post, and on my next appointment discuss having a few weeks break and its implications .

[farm123]

My WBC is regularly low but for me has not caused any extra issues and have been allowed to continue with my current meds. Other times I have had to stop until they are normal. It will depend on your team what they recommend. Everybody is different and for me my body appears to be able to cope but my doctors and rheumy team are all aware that it happens and I know to be aware if I have any illness. Farm

[ryn17 in reply to farm123]

Thanks for your response, having been on a weekly 15mg of mtx in the last five years, i really wish for a few weeks break but am scared and hope i do not have a flare up, my next appointment I will discuss all these.