Q & A: Methotrexate and Low WBC

[Guest guest]

Q & A From The Webrarian at http://www.arthritisinsight.com/resources/webrarian/

I've been on methotrexate for approx. three years with absolutely no pain, however when I went for my last blood test the Dr. told me my white cell count was low. He had me repeat the test for the next two weeks and it's still the same, my white blood cell count is still low. Now he wants me to stop my methotrexate for two weeks and than retake the blood test again. I don't understand what's happening, what does it mean when my white blood cells are low? Is this something that I should be worried about? GREETINGS FROM THE WEBRARY!! A low white blood cell count is listed as a possible side effect for methotrexate (MTX) usage, and the reason for the frequent blood tests and concern for a low count is that you may be more susceptible to infections at this time. Stopping the drug and retaking the blood tests is a way to see if MTX is the cause of the white cell drop. If it does seem to be the cause, you doctor may have you try a different DMARD. Generally side effects are reversible by reducing the dosage of stopping the use of the drug. Here are a few links where you can dig for a little more information: Methotrexate - University of Washington Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine ThirdAge - Rheumatoid Arthritis: Medications Commonly used for Treatment(Scroll down to the listing for: Immuno-suppressants aka DMARDS) How Rheumatologists use Chemotherapy from the Cleveland Clinic IMURAN, CYTOXAN AND RELATED DRUGS - from The Lupus Foundation of America, Inc. Hope that helps!

[Guest guest]

This is a little old, but perhaps can help with the WBC question.

________________________________

From: Georgina [mailto:gmckin@...]

Sent: Wednesday, February 13, 2002 3:23 PM

a JRA List

Subject: Q & A: Methotrexate and Low WBC

Q & A From The Webrarian at

http://www.arthritisinsight.com/resources/webrarian/

I've been on methotrexate for approx. three years with absolutely no

pain, however when I went for my last blood test the Dr. told me my

white cell count was low. He had me repeat the test for the next two

weeks and it's still the same, my white blood cell count is still low.

Now he wants me to stop my methotrexate for two weeks and than retake

the blood test again. I don't understand what's happening, what does it

mean when my white blood cells are low? Is this something that I should

be worried about?

GREETINGS FROM THE WEBRARY!!

A low white blood cell count is listed as a possible side effect for

methotrexate (MTX) usage, and the reason for the frequent blood tests

and concern for a low count is that you may be more susceptible to

infections at this time.

Stopping the drug and retaking the blood tests is a way to see if MTX is

the cause of the white cell drop. If it does seem to be the cause, you

doctor may have you try a different DMARD.

Generally side effects are reversible by reducing the dosage of stopping

the use of the drug.

Here are a few links where you can dig for a little more information:

Methotrexate - University of Washington Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine

<http://www.orthop.washington.edu/arthritis/medications/methotrexate/03>

ThirdAge - Rheumatoid Arthritis: Medications Commonly used for Treatment

<http://www.thirdage.com/health/arthritis/rheumatoid/index07chart.html>

(Scroll down to the listing for: Immuno-suppressants aka DMARDS)

How Rheumatologists use Chemotherapy from the Cleveland Clinic

<http://www.clevelandclinic.org/arthritis/treat/facts/chemo.htm>

IMURAN, CYTOXAN AND RELATED DRUGS - from The Lupus Foundation of

America, Inc. <http://www.lupus.org/topics/cytoxan.html>

Hope that helps!