Can methotrexate and sulphasalzine cause neutropenia.i have ra and low blood count, blood tests every 2/3 weeks. what happens next?

Rule out...: With an unexplained drop in your neutrophils every 2-3 weeks, you may have cyclic neutropenia. Nobody knows how common this is, and i suspect that relatively mild cases get overlooked. You may want to read up & talk with your treating physician about this. I'll want to hear what other healthtap physicans have to say.

Yes, sometimes: Methotrexate and ssz together can cause low white cell levels. You will need lab work every 4-6 weeks to monitor. As long as your white cell count is stable and your number of absolute neutrophils(type of white cells) is ok, you will be fine. Problem is when your neutrophil levels go below a certain number, then you are more prone to get infections which can be dangerous.

Yes: Both Methotrexate (mtx) and sulfasalazine (ssz) can cause a drop in the white blood cell (WBC) absolute neutrophil count (anc). Mtx pi p. 8 http://www.Pfizer.Ca/en/our_products/products/monograph/280 -- ssz pi p.3: http://labeling.Pfizer.Com/showlabeling.Aspx?Id=524 - why every 2-3 weeks depends on dosing. If continuous dosing then this is harder to explain. More info needed. Possible bmb.

Neutropenia every: 2-3 weeks could indicate a cyclic neutropenia. This is caused by neutrophil elastase defects, and we are learning more about the molecular details all the time. However, this is a rare condition. Significant drops can lead to cyclic illness as well. The more likely scenario is that your neutropenia is related to mtx and ssz, or perhaps an autoimmune process. Work with your doctors to address cause.