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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Avonex and lab abnormalities
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Avonex and lab abnormalities
by Carol__0__0, Jan 19, 1999 12:00AM
I was Diagnosed with RRMS June 98 and started on Avonex August 98.
Having a good experence with the Avonex - very mild flu-like sx, if any -
and I have felt great. No exacerbations, active, exercise, etc. Had labs
done June, July and Sept that were normal. In Dec., Lab work at my neuro.
which came back normal except for
low WBC (3.2) and neuro asked me to come back early Jan for retest (CBC
with diff). Jan. results (via phone call from nurse) were WBC 3,002,
Neutrophils 1,100, Hematocrit 33%, platelets were fine.
Neuro wants to monitor and do another retest in 2 weeks but did not give me
any other info. How concerned should I be about this? Avonex is the only
medicine I am taking. Could this be related to the Avonex? If so, what
is going on in my body - why the low results? What other health probs.
or things could be going on if this is not the Avonex? Thanks for any info
you can provide!
Dear Carol:
Sorry to hear about your MS, but I am glad your on Avonex and responding so well. Avonex has not been associated with lowering the WBC, either published by the company or personal experience. I also asked some of the other folks around here and so far no one has heard about lowering the WBC. A mild anemia has been reported before. Theoretically, it has been shown that interferon can suppress the pentose shunt pathway and thereby decreasing the synthesis of nucleotides needed for DNA synthesis and cell proliferation. However, the other pathways involved should compensate and allow normal DNA synthesis. Although a count of 3,000 is on the low side, I wouldn't expect that you would have any problems. Likely, this is something transitory and you will rebound to normal counts. It may be that you are coming down with a mild viral infection. But, since I haven't seen you this would only be speculation. Likely, this is only transitory and not to be worried about.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro[P] MD
