hydroxychloroquine and white blood cell count

[Brychni]

Hi all

the GP called me and said even though it was only slightly low, my white blood cell count was 3.9 and should be 4 in order to start sulfasalzine so I am still waiting. Have to another blood test and she will talk to rheumatology.

My question is has anyone taking hydroxy. had lowered white blood cells as a result? I did a quick google and apparently that can happen but as usual I wonder, in reality, how common it is.

xx

[Caza]

I’ve been taking Hydroxchloroquine for 7 yrs now & never had this problem.

[BoneyC]

I currently have a low WBC and take HCQ but GP thinks its MTX that's working too well that is the cause. The parameters are 3.9-10.2 and looking at my results since last October, they've hovered above and below but was only told to stop MTX once:-

4.4, 3.9, 3.3, 4.4, 3.8, 2.8, 7.9 (MTX stopped for 2 wks.), 4.2, 3.8 & 3.5.

[Gilliancheche]

Not sure I have ever had a white count of 4! I rarely have had 3. I think it is an individual thing. Mine is monitored frequently and if anyone has tips in getting it higher I would love to hear them.

[Brychni in reply to Gilliancheche]

when the GP told me, I told her that I was sure it had been 'borderline' before but she said no. I don't think she is worried about the level itself rather the instructions from rheumatology which said you can't take sulfasalzine with wbc below 4.

Funny how this all creeps up: yesterday I felt distinctly unarthritic and I've felt my symptoms are invisible with few outward signs, so just to tell me not to rest on my laurels today for the first time I have had noticeably large puffy fingers with pink, warm joints. First in my right, then almost while I was staring at them it kicked off in my left hand! weird

[Prunes in reply to Gilliancheche]

Same here! I'm lucky if I make 3 - last two total counts 2.5 and 2.7. I'm on azathioprine and HCQ and every blood test I keep my fingers crossed it will be better!

[Gilliancheche]

I have stopped sulphasalazine but have definitely taken it prescribed by rheumatologist with WBC well below 4. I would try fo get clarification from consultant.