Managing a Low White Blood Cell Count (Neutropenia)

Chemotherapy is usually given in cycles, with periods of rest that give your body time to help regain strength and replace healthy cells lost during treatment.¹ However, neutropenia, a low number of certain white blood cells, is a common chemotherapy side effect of certain types of chemotherapy. In some cases neutropenia can disrupt your chemotherapy schedule.¹

A low white blood cell count means your immune system isn't as strong as it could be and that you are at increased risk for infection. The fewer white blood cells you have and the longer you remain without enough, the more at risk you become for developing an infection, which can be potentially life-threatening.^1,2

As a result, your doctor may need to delay cancer treatment or reduce your chemotherapy dose until your low white blood cell count increases.² If you are neutropenic and you develop a fever or get an infection, you may need to be hospitalized until your infection is cured and your number of white blood cells returns to levels high enough to fight infections.² Your doctor can provide you with information on how you can lower your risk of infection.

To understand whether you may have an infection, click here.

Understanding Cancer – Chemotherapy Side Effects – Treating Cancer in Other Ways
Tracking Your Test Results – Understanding Insurance and Tax Issues
Chemotherapy Resources and Organizations – Register for Programs