This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

[cheerleader]

Wondering if any other Copaxone users have noticed this in their blood testing....

Interesting results from my husband's latest blood draw. His lymphocyte (T-cells, B-cells and natural killer cells) number was just out of range, low at 19%. One of Copaxone's methods of action is to bind to lymphs and keep their proliferation low. Looks like Copaxone is working! Also lowish (at 2%) were his monocytes, the guys that inform the lymphocytes and sent them errantly into the CNS where they attack.

High lymph numbers are found in a body under attack from virus or cancer. Very low lymph numbers are found with HIV.

Just interesting to me to see some tangible proof (other than his stability) that the copax is working.
AC

[Wonderfulworld]

Hi Cheer
interesting - I hadn't heard of anyone else equating Copaxone with low/high cell counts. My GP couldn't explain the results of the FBC I got done recently.

My white cell count (WCC) was below normal, neutrophils below normal too.
Lymphocytes and monocytes on the low side but within normal range.

Vit D was insufficient too.

So it looks like Copaxone is doing something to earn its' keep then

[cheerleader]

So it looks like Copaxone is doing something to earn its' keep then

Hi WW-My husband's doc noted the low lymphs and said she'd retest, but I figured it had to do w/his MS, so I did some more reading....I guess it's actually proof for you and Jeff. Go figure?
hope you're well,
AC

[MattB]

I've never had a whole set of blood tests run on me, I think I probably should. I'm not sure when my next neuro appt is though.

[Wonderfulworld]

Have any of you noticed an effect of these low White cell counts on your immune function?

It's just that in the past on Rebif I was getting a viral infection every 4 weeks for the last year on Rebif and I had to change.

Now I'm starting to wonder about Copaxone after 6 years on it, is it starting to do the same thing....I recently caught a head cold and it went straight on my chest, finding it really hard to get rid of it, yet everyone else got over it much quicker...?

[cheerleader]

I recently caught a head cold and it went straight on my chest, finding it really hard to get rid of it, yet everyone else got over it much quicker...?

Don't think copax or low WBCs would be the issue here, WW, but I could be wrong, since you've been on it awhile. Jeff hasn't been sick in the 18 months since he started (I'm knocking wood loudly) so we haven't seen any compromise in immune function for him. You just had a sweet baby, right? Just wondering if lack of sleep might be contributing to slow healing? Make sure to get your rest when the baby sleeps!
AC

[Wonderfulworld]

You're probably right AC!
I have a very alert baby during the day....difficult to catch up on sleep!
Will get the bloods re-run in a few months to keep an eye on the WBC etc.