White blood cells play an important role in defending the body from bacteria, viruses and other foreign invaders. Certain diseases such as cancer can cause white blood cell levels to become low, a condition known as neutropenia. Mild neutropenia is typically harmless and resolves on its own with time. Severe neutropenia, however, can have fatal consequences if it occurs in combination with an infection.
Treating Underlying Conditions
Certain medical conditions such as infections or cancer can cause white blood cell levels to become low. The Merck Manual explains that simply treating these underlying causes of low neutropenia can help to bring white cell numbers back up to normal levels. Some prescription drugs can have neutropenic side effects. If this is the case, your doctor may advise you to discontinue use of certain prescriptions.
Antibiotics
Tirgan.com explains that severe neutropenia can have fatal consequences if an individual with low white cell counts becomes infected. It is advised that individuals with neutropenia monitor their body temperature for fever, as fever is a sign of infection. If fever does occur, seek emergency medical attention; you will likely be administered antibiotics and antifungal drugs to limit the infection.
Colony Stimulating Factor
Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) is a growth factor that the body makes to signal for a number of developmental processes, including the production of white blood cells. The National Neutropenia Network explains that G-CSF can be administered to individuals with neutropenia by injection. G-CSF treatments can vary in dose and duration, and can be very expensive.
Drugs That Stimulate White Cell Production
A number of drugs can directly increase the production of white blood cells by the bone marrow. Tirgan.com explains that drugs such as Neupogen are used by oncologists in patients undergoing treatment for cancer to help prevent neutropenic side effects of chemotherapy. Neupogen is a clear liquid administered under the skin that promotes the bone marrow to produce white blood cells. Neupogen has very few side effects. Leukine and Neulasta are drugs similar to Neupogen that are also used to bring up white cell numbers.
