Neutrophils

[DBT776]

Hi There I have been called back to my surgery for a 2nd time in a few weeks due to low neutrophils. Has anyone had this and what was the outcome for you? Any advise on this is welcom.

[bubblyalex]

I haven’t but good luck

[jdavies38515]

Hi DBT776, I suffer with low neutrophils. When I was first diagnosed I had to have weekly blood tests to check them and couldn’t start my methotrexate until they crept over 1. That was nearly four years ago. They seem to have settled down now and they range between 2 & 3. But I still keep an eye on them. I’m not sure what makes them change but I know when they drop I feel pretty rubbish. I’m guessing it’s to do with disease activity.

Not sure if that helps at all.

[rounder]

I had low neutrophils when taking leflunomide, if it dropped below 2 I was advised to miss the best 2 weeks of meds to give it chance to recover, it always did. Neutropaenia, low neutrophils, below 4 I think, can make you more vulnerable to disease, though my son, a paediatrician, suggests that at their hospital they wouldn't panic till it dropped below 2 consistently.

Eventually I had to change medication due to the neutrophils issue.

Maybe it's worth asking for a telephone consultation with your GP to ask about it, or your rheumatology department. Hope you get it sorted.

[StormySeas]

Mine are always low but it was only when they were below 1 that MTX was paused by the rheumatologist. The GP often flags it up though.

I think it depends on how low and what’s normal for you, plus of course your particular drug regime. I doubt the GP would change your drugs without consultation with rheumatology, so ask if they’ve contacted your consultant.

I’ve not noticed a link with feeling ill, although my levels have improved since changing to a more successful treatment.

Good luck, and try not to worry, it might just be a blip. It’s good your GP is aware of it though X

[Linshug]

Hi my neutrophils are consistently up and down. The lowest is .9 the highest 3.2 . They are constantly being monitored with blood tests every two weeks but I don’t stop meds unless below 1. I have been told by the consultant it is how I am. Hope you get it sorted x