Neutropaenia anyone?

[Beelady]

Hi there. My RA was diagnosed over a year ago but is still not under control. Have been on Hydroxy since April and started Lef 6 weeks ago after not responding or being intolerant to Mtx and Sulph. Two weeks ago my neutrophil count was 1.3 below the lower normal of 1.5 Yesterday theyve come back as 0.77 so I was contacted and told to stop Lef and arrange another blood test for next week. Wondered if anyone else hss struggled with neutropaenia? I remember it went low when I was on Mtx but not this low. Does this mean that its likely I wont be able to continue with Leflunomide? Only my options are getting smaller. Biologics are the next step I think but as I had cancer previously they are concerned re the additional risk this poses with biologics. Obviously with low neutrophil count im at increased risk of infection/illness but do I need to be taking extra precautions? Ive got GP appt next week so obviously will ask and have left message with Rhem nurse but always useful to hear others thoughts

[Hidden]

It depends on which Biologic they want to try and how long since you had cancer. I had cancer in 2012, and couldn't have anti TNFs for 5 years, but I'm OK to have Rituximab for my Vasculitis. You could always ring the NRAS free helpline on

0800 298 7650 (Monday - Friday, 9.30am - 4.30pm)

or by email

[e-mail]

[Mmrr]

Hello, yes I have had a problem with neutropenia. But mine seems to improve with DMARDs rather then dropping. Strange.

However, before this was acknowledged, they let my count drop to 0.5 before worrying too much. I guess different hospitals/ consultants have different limits.

[englishrose67]

I tend to be neutropenic but it used to be worse when I was on rituximab infusions for my lupus .but now I'm on bilimab infusions every 4 weeks.I'm also on hydroxychloroquine and prednisolone for my lupus.

Hope things settle. Just stay away from anyone with bugs/infections

Take care

X

[BoneyC]

I've had neutropenia with MTX in the past, stopped it for a while, then restarted. My neutrophil count tends to be on the low side, hovers around 1.5 as does my lymphocytes they have been below the reference limit for years, but nothing is ever done about it. GP marks FBC results as "satisfactory" rather than "normal".