diff --git a/chrome/content/zotero/elements/itemBox.js b/chrome/content/zotero/elements/itemBox.js
index 3ced794b44..b4e02d03e2 100644
--- a/chrome/content/zotero/elements/itemBox.js
+++ b/chrome/content/zotero/elements/itemBox.js
@@ -1471,8 +1471,9 @@
 				this._creatorCount--;
 				return;
 			}
-			this.item.removeCreator(index);
+			this._lastTabIndex = -1;
 			await this.blurOpenField();
+			this.item.removeCreator(index);
 			await this.item.saveTx();
 		}