HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Low Blood Count And Fever Post Chemotherapy?

default
Posted on Mon, 22 Jun 2015
Question: Low white blood count and fever ? Undergoing chemotherapy
doctor
Answered by Dr. Riyanka Chail (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
kindly consult your oncologist immediatedly

Detailed Answer:

Hello Sir,
Thanks for writing in to us at hcm.
This is Dr.Riyanka and I am glad to be helping you with your query.

Low White blood Cell count and fever are one of the side effects of chemotherapy.
Usually neutropenia (decrease in neutrophils is more common). Since cancer is an immunocompromised state i suggest kindly visit your oncologist immediatedly as the fever and low WBC count needs to be treated immediatedly to prevent serious infections.

The followings drugs are usually helpful in low WBC count and fever during chemotherapy treatment:

1. Broad Spectrum Antibiotics like Levofloxacin - to fight infections.
2. Antipyretics like Acetaminophen (Comparitively safer than other Non
Steroidal antiinflammatory drugs)
3. Colony Stimulating Factors - which acts on the bone marrow to increase
production of WBCs.

Some other tests like - Complete haemogram, urine culture , blood culture may also be helpful.

Hope this answers your query. Don't worry .
Do write back if you have any further doubts.
Get well soon
Dr.Riyanka
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Pradeep Vitta
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Riyanka Chail (1 hour later)
What is blood culture ?
His WBC is low that all they said and started him on antibiotic .

So is this chemo related? He on oxyplatin and raltitrexed .
doctor
Answered by Dr. Riyanka Chail (20 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Oxaliplatin can cause low wbc count with fever

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for writing back to us at HCM.

Blood culture is a routine test to determine any presence of bacteria, fungi or any other micro organisms causing infection in the body. A Sensitivity test along with blood culture will help to determine the kind of antibiotics that will work best against these organisms.

Yes , Low blood count (especially low neutrophil count ) with fever is a common side effect of Oxaliplatin.

Hope, this answers your query.
Take Care.
Dr.Riyanka
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Riyanka Chail

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 818 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Low Blood Count And Fever Post Chemotherapy?

Brief Answer: kindly consult your oncologist immediatedly Detailed Answer: Hello Sir, Thanks for writing in to us at hcm. This is Dr.Riyanka and I am glad to be helping you with your query. Low White blood Cell count and fever are one of the side effects of chemotherapy. Usually neutropenia (decrease in neutrophils is more common). Since cancer is an immunocompromised state i suggest kindly visit your oncologist immediatedly as the fever and low WBC count needs to be treated immediatedly to prevent serious infections. The followings drugs are usually helpful in low WBC count and fever during chemotherapy treatment: 1. Broad Spectrum Antibiotics like Levofloxacin - to fight infections. 2. Antipyretics like Acetaminophen (Comparitively safer than other Non Steroidal antiinflammatory drugs) 3. Colony Stimulating Factors - which acts on the bone marrow to increase production of WBCs. Some other tests like - Complete haemogram, urine culture , blood culture may also be helpful. Hope this answers your query. Don't worry . Do write back if you have any further doubts. Get well soon Dr.Riyanka