Hi Ojibajo,
The interferons can definitely drop your WBC. Do you get labs run every so often to keep an eye on blood counts?
Though they are immunmodulators, they can change blood counts. If your WBC were low, you could definitely be vulnerable to run of the mill things your immune system could usually ward off.
Please let us know if doc orders labs every 3- 6 months. Should be complete counts, as well as thyroid, and liver enzymes.
-Shell
The CRAB DMDs are immunomodulators. They are designed to change the way the immune system functions. IVSM is an immuno-suppressant.
Bob
You do not have to worry about avonex it does not suppress the immune system. Do not worry about the JC virus unless you are on Tysabri which you are not.
To be completely clear unless your Doctor tells you otherwise you have nothing to worry about you are on a safe drug.
Alex
Oops I meant to say I am NOW on a DMD. I don't know what the JC virus is, but I take Avonex, I wonder what terrible virus that makes me susceptible to.
Most DMDs do not suppress the immune system Tysabri can make you more suceptible to the JC virus. Gileyna to herpes. The CRABs do not make you more suseptible to illness. They all have different mechanisms to keep your immune system from attacking your T and B cells. Each works differently. Some block the action, some act as decoys, etc. It is confusing.
Each person with MS is different. I for one am pretty healthy from infections.
Alex