Azathioprine and low white blood cell count

[Heathcroft]

Hi, I have a question about my low white blood cell count which hovers currently at 2.7. The GI guy says not to worry, that's OK, but my GP insists on me having weekly blood tests, and I agree that this seems sensible.

I take 100mg of azathioprine a day (I can't tolerate more) and have been since 1st January this year after coming off prednisilone slowly since last August.

Should I be asking for a change of drug?

If anyone can shine a light it would be appreciated!

 

[DarrylP_Ajax]

Hi, I have a question about my low white blood cell count which hovers currently at 2.7. The GI guy says not to worry, that's OK, but my GP insists on me having weekly blood tests, and I agree that this seems sensible.

I take 100mg of azathioprine a day (I can't tolerate more) and have been since 1st January this year after coming off prednisilone slowly since last August.

Should I be asking for a change of drug?

If anyone can shine a light it would be appreciated!

Not that i am a doctor, but i would assume that if you are stable at those levels (the low WB count) and everything else is ok (liver, kidneys) when u get blood work done, and it is succesfully keeping your CD in check, then why stop it...since Imuran is an immuno-suppresant its not really a "side-effect" to have low WB count, its just an effect. I would assume your GP insists on weekly blood checks because if your WB drops too low (or your other blood counts like RB and Hemo) that you could be in some trouble.

It sounds like u are right on a fine line and your GP just wants to make frequent checks to make sure u dont fall off....i hope everything goes well with the Aza/Imuran