diff --git a/pymongo/database.py b/pymongo/database.py
index 139aab9c6..d606efd60 100644
--- a/pymongo/database.py
+++ b/pymongo/database.py
@@ -780,7 +780,7 @@ class Database(common.BaseObject):
             opts["pwd"] = auth._password_digest(name, password)
             opts["digestPassword"] = False
 
-        opts["writeConcern"] = self._get_wc_override() or self.write_concern
+        opts["writeConcern"] = self._get_wc_override()
         opts.update(kwargs)
 
         if create:
@@ -890,10 +890,9 @@ class Database(common.BaseObject):
         """
 
         try:
-            write_concern = self._get_wc_override() or self.write_concern
             self.command("dropUser", name,
                          read_preference=ReadPreference.PRIMARY,
-                         writeConcern=write_concern)
+                         writeConcern=self._get_wc_override())
         except OperationFailure, exc:
             # See comment in add_user try / except above.
             if exc.code in common.COMMAND_NOT_FOUND_CODES: