How are low blood cell counts treated?

If you have low blood cell counts, your treatment will depend on which counts are low and what's causing the low numbers. Common treatments include:

• Blood transfusions. Transfusions help people with low levels of red blood cells and platelets. In a blood transfusion you're given either red blood cells or platelets from people who've donated blood. Though transfusions of white blood cells are possible, they're reserved for specific, rare situations because of the risk of many complications.
• Medications. Your doctor may prescribe medications that stimulate the production of more blood cells. Medications have benefits and risks, so talk to your doctor about the possible side effects of drugs used to boost blood cell counts.
• Stopping or delaying treatment. In severe cases you may need to stop your cancer treatment altogether, or delay it until your blood cell counts rise.

The type of treatment you receive will depend on your cancer treatment and your physical condition.