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What Causes Elevated WBC Count While On Foracort?
Question: I am 45 year old male and as per the advice from doctor I have been taking Nezalast Nasal Spray 70MD for my sneezing and Foracort 200 Rotacaps every day for mild wheezing, the past 2 years. I have donated platelets 5 times since Oct 14 and today when I went for donation, doctor in-charge after observing my blood sample, informed me that my WBC count is in excess because Foracort contains steroids and hence I cannot donate platelets and should stop using that medicine if I intend to donate platelets. (Test results are as follows Hemoglobin 16.5, PVC 49, Total Blood count 18600, Platelets 2.5 Lacs)
I am confused, what should I do now? Should I go for any further tests ? If Foracort 200 contains steroids, is it advisable to use the same?
I am confused, what should I do now? Should I go for any further tests ? If Foracort 200 contains steroids, is it advisable to use the same?
Brief Answer:
For mild wheezing you may use Salbutamol inhaler.
Detailed Answer:
Hi & Welcome.
I can understand your concern for not being able to donate platelets.
Yes, Foracort contains a steroid (Budesonide) and a bronchodilator (Formoterol) used for symptomatic relief of wheezing or difficulty in breathing due to allergic bronchitis or asthma.
As a matter of fact steroids can increase the WBC count which might be the reason for contraindication to donate the platelets. But as per the Red Cross Society's blood donation eligibility requirements, the person who is taking steroids like Budesonide can donate the blood or platelets without any problem.
Now, since you are having mild wheezing, there's no need to take Budesonide for the relief of difficulty in breathing, Salbutamol inhaler (which does not contain steroid) is sufficient enough to relieve the wheezing as it does not increase the WBC count hence you can donate the platelets as needed.
Hope this answers your query.
For mild wheezing you may use Salbutamol inhaler.
Detailed Answer:
Hi & Welcome.
I can understand your concern for not being able to donate platelets.
Yes, Foracort contains a steroid (Budesonide) and a bronchodilator (Formoterol) used for symptomatic relief of wheezing or difficulty in breathing due to allergic bronchitis or asthma.
As a matter of fact steroids can increase the WBC count which might be the reason for contraindication to donate the platelets. But as per the Red Cross Society's blood donation eligibility requirements, the person who is taking steroids like Budesonide can donate the blood or platelets without any problem.
Now, since you are having mild wheezing, there's no need to take Budesonide for the relief of difficulty in breathing, Salbutamol inhaler (which does not contain steroid) is sufficient enough to relieve the wheezing as it does not increase the WBC count hence you can donate the platelets as needed.
Hope this answers your query.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
Thank you so much Doctor.
Brief Answer:
You are most welcome.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX Hi
Thanks for your reply and the compliments.
Kindly rate the answers if you are convinced.
Best regards.
You are most welcome.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX Hi
Thanks for your reply and the compliments.
Kindly rate the answers if you are convinced.
Best regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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