low wbc count

Wri

New Member

Joined : Oct 2014

Posts : 6

Posted 9/7/2015 3:41 PM (GMT 0)

I am diagnosed as lupus a year ago and was started with azathioprine, prednisolone and hydroxychloroquine since then. i took azathioprine for around 6 months and found to have low wbc count in my doctor's visit. So on doctor's advice azathioprine was withheld. Its been almost 3 and half months my wbc count ranges from 3000 to 4000(lower side) despite of quitting azathioprine. Has anyone gone through this phase? pls share if any.

Lynnwood

Forum Moderator

Joined : May 2005

Posts : 8160

Posted 9/9/2015 12:41 AM (GMT 0)

Auto-immune disorders such as Lupus can often cause low WBC's. It sounds as thought the Imuran (azathioprine) is not necessarily helping you with this part of your disease.

Other similar medications that may be of help are Cellcept and MTX. These, along with Imuran, are the 3 medications most often used (after Plaquenil and Prednisone) to control Lupus. I wouldn't be surprised if your Dr doesn't try one of these soon - or maybe you can ask about them. It isn't known who or why one person is helped by one of these 3 and another is not -- we have to keep trying until the medication is properly matched to the patient.

Best wishes,

omega

Veteran Member

Joined : Jan 2007

Posts : 610

Posted 9/23/2015 12:19 PM (GMT 0)

I am allergic to azathioprine, and I was hospitalized due to pancytopenia. The specialist withheld the med. I am now on cellcept and it's a magic for me.

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