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LIVER-SAFE PAIN MEDICATION?

RECENTLY DIAGNOSED W/ HEP C AND WAITING (5 WKS) FOR SPECIALIST APPT.  HAVING CHRONIC ACHE AND SOME PAIN. HAVING THE ACHE/PAIN IN AREA ABOUT 1-2 INCHES BELOW WAISTLINE FROM RIGHT SIDE ACROSS TO THE LEFT SIDE OF AREA BELOW WAISTLINE (ALTHOUGH MOSTLY ON RIGHT SIDE).  PAIN IS NOT USUALLY BAD BUT CONSTANT.  CALLED THE SPECIALIST TO SEE WHAT I COULD TAKE AND WAS TOLD THAT SINCE HE HAS YET TO SEE ME AS A PT. HE CANNOT TREAT THE PAIN.  THEY RECCOMENDED TYLENOL "BUT NOT EVERY DAY".  I WILL CALL MY REGULAR M.D. BUT DON'T TRUST HIM TO ORDER THE BEST FOR MY LIVER.  I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT IS TYPICALLY USED FOR PEOPLE WITH LIVER/PAIN PROBLEMS BEFORE I CALL MY REGULAR DR.
THANKS!!!
VICKI
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Avatar universal
I have hep c and cirrhosis of the liver plus acute pancreatitis, Im in constant pain and always nauseous and severely fatigued, what is the best thing for pain?
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1 Comments
Hi racersmom and welcome,

So I suggest you may want to post your question in the cirrhosis community as a new question of your own.

https://www.medhelp.org/forums/Cirrhosis-of-the-Liver/show/1390

You have asked your question on an old thread and generally most people won’t find it. You have added a comment on a thread originally started in 2006 and not really very active.

The best way to get your question noticed and the attention it deserves try posting a new question. To do this go to the top right of the page in the cirrhosis community and click on the red button "Post a Question". Then more people will see your question so you can get your question answered.


As far as pain management this is a question you really need to ask your doctors. Pain management is problematic for those with cirrhosis as we are at increased risk of bleeding as a symptom of cirrhosis and most OTC pain meds like aspirin, Avele and Advil in the class of meds known as NSAIDS are known to increase bleeding risk and as such are dangerous for us to take.

The recommendation for those of us with cirrhosis is to take Tylenol but no more than the daily recommended dose as Tylenol if too much is taken can cause liver damage. Often multi symptom medicines may have Tylenol (acetaminophen) as one of the ingredients so if you were to take Tylenol along with a multi symptom medicine you could easily risk exceeding the allowed dosage so always read labels.

So you can see why we need to be cautious with our choices of pain meds. Otherwise if pain is not controlled adequately with OTC Tylenol the only other option for physicians to consider is opioid based pain meds but these meds are also problematic for us.

So sorry to hear about your pain and suffering. I also have liver cirrhosis for 10 years now. Thankfully I do t have other coexisting medical conditions and feel more or less fine.

Here is a link to an article from the National Institute of Health about managing pain for patients with cirrhosis

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2861975/

But I strongly suggest you need to discuss this with your doctor.

Sending my best wishes that you can find the help you need for your pain and other health challenges
Avatar universal
I'm thankful for your insight.
Most doctors don't believe people who tell them their in pain. I'm so sick of being treated like an addict I've come to loath them. With MRI in hand--third in 10 years--I have found a Spin and Back Center that finally read it and will help. (Although now, my degenerated spin is beyond even surgery and at 64 it's not going to get better)

Here's my question:   You mentioned Vicoprofen, or Oxycodone, for pain in people with Liver concerns. Anything you can add about this med? I also had Hep-C, just finished treatment, but have some Liver Damage.  

I've been online going over pros and cons and drug interactions with these pain meds. Most are mixed with damaging additives but the two you mention sound like a plan. I'm looking into burning the nerve endings rather than long term addictive meds.  Any thoughts there? Of course at my age it's becoming quality of life rather than life.

Thanks again for sharing.
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
Hi

You have added a comment on a thread originally started in 2006 and not really very active.

The best way to get your question noticed and the attention it deserves try posting a new question. To do this go to the top right of the page and click on the red button "Post a Question". Then more people will see your question so you can get your question answered.

Good luck
Lynn
Avatar universal
Hi have hep c and my doctor prescribed me naproxen which can speed up liver damage will the compounded hydrocodone hurt my liver?
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Avatar universal
I am responding to a very old post on a medhelp website.  I have always been a heavy drinker but seemingly healthy.  I was NOT taking any other medications until July 2015 when I had shoulder pain.  I was then prescribed Diclofinac (anti -inflammatory) and Hydrocodone to compensate for the pain.  I regularly used the Diclofinac on a daily basis ( 1 a day- not 2 as prescribed) and only rarely used the Hydrocodone- unless I couldn't get comfortable.  I had my Rotator Cuff surgery in Dec 2015 and have continued to take the drugs above along with new scripts for blood pressure and thyroid. At the first of the year I had to switch doctors due to insurance changes and they did a thorough blood test when I found out my liver enzymes were high!   Other tests followed and a CT SCAN.  I am still waiting on the REAL results but one nurse reported it looks like I have Cirrhosis - or symptoms of it?  I kind of freaked as I had many tests in the past year that showed no alarm-  only thing that changed with my habits in the new meds!  I have researched on my own until getting back with the doctor which won't be for weeks and decided on my own to quit taking the Diclofinac and the Hydrocodone.  BOY do I feel the difference!  My every joint in my body aches now- especially my shoulder which is still healing and I am going through PT.  I was told to try something of lower dose- over the counter- but WHAT!  I am thinking Advil which is the anti inflammatory drug- right?  It is more my joints- knee, shoulder and foot- than overall pain.  Can you suggest?
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315996 tn?1429054229
Doctors continue to use the 101 level logic that Ibuprofen is processed by the kidneys, and Tylenol is process by the liver so ergo use Ibuprofen.

But Hepatitis C thins the blood and won't allow the kidneys to process Ibuprofen.

All the big liver clinics use Tylenol. And Narco for heavier pains.

who cares if this thread is 9 years old? I've had every doctor in the last 4 years use the 101 logic.
Helpful - 0
683231 tn?1467323017
Hi

You have added a comment on a thread originally started in 2006 and addressed to Bill who hasn't posted since 2012.

The best way to get your question noticed and the attention it deserves try posting a new question. To do this go to the top right of the page and click on the orange button "Post a Question". Then more people will see your question so you can get your question answered.

Good luck
Lynn
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have Hep C along with cirrhosis and just had surgery.  Taking 10 mg. Hydrocodone and Dilantin.  Is Dilantin dangerous for the liver?  Please let me know the details.
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Avatar universal
The medical community has apparently become increasingly aware of the dangers of excessive Tylenol [acetaminophen], because the drug makers are scaling back the quantities.  Most - perhaps all - of the "combination" RX med pills now contain only 325 mg...reduced from the previous level of 500 mg.  You correctly identified Norco as a product that did "lead the way" in this trend....but others are following suit. I noticed recently that Vicodin has been reduced to 325 as well.  If in doubt you can always discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist -
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
There is a vicodin with a lower amount of tylenol in it. It's called Norco and the generic med is not expensive. Only has 325 mg tylenol which is normally considered safe. Good luck.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
have had hep-c since 87 been in  pain the last 5 to 7 years tried a lot of pain meds was on oxycodone 6-8 times a day morphine and to the point of pain management wanting a pump put in me.  dose anyone no of anything that could help don't want the pump but tired of pain .... going crazy!!!
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Avatar universal
I have just been diagnosed with fatty liver disease. Mild discomfort...could not call it pain. Is this where some of you started?  Am I in denial to think my problems will not escalate?  What shoud I do now?
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Avatar universal
I live in Sarasota area and have hep c strand 1a worst to treat, did a year of there what they call chemo for a year and I am a non-responder I have lots of pain just found out after complaining for 4 years my knee hurts that basicly I have no cushion left between the bones, and bone spurs, 4 buldging dics in my back and neuropathy. I suffer everday there are meds to help I am on transplant list afraid to get my hopes up. they told e 90%chance chemo Anitiferon, riboveron would work spent a year in bed very sick and NO DID not work. I heard it does work for many try looking for clinical trials just goggle Clinical Trials for hep c and if you get into a study they pay for all meds!! I am still in pain x 10 and use fentanyl patches oxycodone 10 mg for breakthrough none have asprin or Tylenol. I am not completely out of pain but feel a whole lot better take Xanax 0.5 up to 3 a day for stress it is awful to not be able to get out of bed 9 out of 10 days from being in so much pain. look uo Bach and Godofsky infectious disease Doctors for liver treatment in Bradenton. THEY WONT GIVE YOU ANYTHING FOR PAIN, you will need your Primary or pain management good luck
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Avatar universal
I was diagnosed with Hep C about 10 years ago.  Was told I have liver damage from it that took 20 years in the making.  At the time of my diagnosis, I felt fine - thought they were all a bunch of quacks.  Well, afterr being hospitalized like 1/2 dozen times, put in a 2-week coma. I've come out the other end, not great, but still kicking.  I'm supposedly to 'fragile' to undergo treatment for Hep C.  As a result, I now have severe Rheum Arthritis.  Don't let anyone tell you different, Advil, Tylenol or any NSAID is damaging to your liver.  Since in the beginning I kept taking Advil cuz it works great for me, I was put on Nexium to prevent stomach ulcers.  But my doctor, who I trust with my life (& believe me I don't trust doctors) goes ballastic if he hears I'm taking Advil so I've stopped..  You've got a tough road ahead.  If there's anyway you can be treated for Hep C - do it.  I know people who have and are perfectly healthy now while I'm waiting for the next catastrophe.
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6197641 tn?1379527578
YOU R SO RITE...I ALWAYS CONTACT MY PHARMACY FOR ANY MEDICATIONS...DEM DRS. DONT REALLY KNOW TOO MUCH WHEN IT COMES TO MEDS..JUST WRITE A PRESCRIPTION N  U IF U HAVE TROUBLES...COME BACK AND SEE ME...
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Avatar universal
Pain medications , no matter what  the cause of the pain,  such as Tylenol or ibuprofen are all bad for the liver. Opiates are not bad for the liver.It's baffling. Many methadone treated patients have Hep-c . Methadone is not harmful to the liver, and serves as a good ,yet addictive , pain killer.

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Avatar universal
Both should not be taken. I went through all experimental interferons and peg intron worked. I have tested neg to hep c for over ten yrs. I still do not take over the counter pain meds. On rare rare occasions I will take a goody powder. But very rarely.
***@**** hep c free
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Avatar universal
You would do best with an extended release medication such as opana...This was discussed with the doctors on the transplant team when my husband was on transplant   list .They told him not to go off the medication either, as it could make the virus worse.Thet told us anyone wth hep c should not change any thing with their meds and many Dr's don't know this and they take the person off meds., causing the viral load to jump higher and virus to become very active.I not knowing this, I went off my medication( weaning off thinking I am helping better my disease!...my viral)Instead my viral load jumped up to 1,400.000 from 850,000! I could not understand why I was getting sicker, rather then better.Just know there is a misconception that liver patients are not to have medication.Transplant unit in PA says just" no tylenol !) and the purest medications possible.which is usually the medications most docs do not want to put a person on.!
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Avatar universal
My husband is a 23-year liver transplant patient with hepc and arthritis. He has a lot of pain all the time and I'm no longer sure what to give him. His primary prescribed Tramadol, which does nothing. The pharmacist said he could take Ibuprofen not Tylenol. But from reading the comments above, I'm not sure which is safest.
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4173379 tn?1355356551
Were you also checked for hemochromatosis at all? I know that pain in muscles and joints is a side of hep c...my husband has had it for 30 years or so, just found out and will find out today results of liver biopsy...but also found out he had hereditary hemochromatosis, an iron loading disorder that causes arthritis, liver cirrhosis, heart failure, etc, etc. It is the most common genetic disorder rarely diagnosed by medical community. Predominantly found in Celtic/Irish/Scottish/Northern European backgrounds. 1 in 9 people are carriers, in in 200 -300 people will develop hemochromatosis. (HHC) Worth looking into as you also have hep C. Cheers, and best wishes
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Avatar universal
Vicodin ES(that of course has loads of Tylenol)was given... for months, to my husband, for major herniated discs and nerve damage.This is what helped to bring him to  end stage liver disease!Please, anyone reading this, who has help C...DON"T take tylenol! If you don't have liver disease and just the hep c virus, tylenol can push a person right into the next stage!My husband was on the transplant list at the University of PA and we learned so much! AS the top surgeon explained to us, the newest research and findings, which are not yet published in the present Doctors manual , but will be; after the amount of years have gone by in which the FDA insists on waiting on, before things are approved and made public knowledge..My husband unfortunately didn't make it....and many others won't make it going by the 'old rules" on hep c , tylenol and any kind of opiate medications. It was always thought to take liver disease patients off of pain meds.Now they found it esscalates the disease, and I am proof as I asked my doc to wean me off of oxicontin which i was taking for chronic pain, tears , herniated discs etc...my viral load shot up from 800,000 to 1,400,000.I cold not understand why i felt sicker and sicker after the withdrawal was long gone and over with...Blood work was done and instead of getting healthier like i figured i should by NOT putting opiates in my system anymore, the Hep C got worse...Symptoms were off the roof with me...Fatigue so bad, I could no longer drive.I could not work!Nor clean my house...my double zero jeans were falling off of me and none of my belts fit!Here I was off of drugs of any kind... taking herbs and vitimans. and anyone who knew me wondered if I was messed up on something, or worried I was dying) as I never let my home get the way it was, or laundry build up.and I always loved to gpo places and drive my car!
Please consider no tylenol in your system.NOT worth what could happen!My youngest child is left with a very sick mom and no dad...There is so much research that needs to come out asap, but this is the world...They go by the book.Doesn't matter that our loved one's are dying.Check into research of withdrawal of opiates in a hep c patients.Google it and you will find out more...
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Avatar universal
I can't believe a Dr said to use Tylenol!My deceased husband was on list in PA for a liver transplant and they said it was the leading cause of liver disease.and main reason people are on transplant list.The general public think alcohol and hep c is the leading cause of transplants on the liver and it's tylenol!
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Avatar universal
he[c was found in me in 2009, then a doc said I didn't have it.  I can't to do the 48 week program and shots they mentioned.  Any help u could give me, I could greatly use.

Thank,
April
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163305 tn?1333668571
Fameartist posted here once, the post you read.
We know nothing of this person's history, whether they already have cirrhosis or other physical ailments.
Without knowing more about this person's health it's know what exactly is their problems.
And sadly, there are random people who make up posts for whatever odd reason.
I'm not saying this is fameartist's situation, we just don't really know.

Some people cannot work during tx. Have you spoken to your doctor ? Are you being seen by a good hepatologist experienced with hep C treatment?
You should be. They can help you with the side effects of treatment.

I'd encourage you to being your own post if you'd like more help.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have had hep c for 30+ yrs. Genotype 1A.  This is my 3rd attempt at interferon. This time with ribovarin and victrelis (sp?) in 3 weeks. Since I started almost two  weeks ago, I have experienced the worst pain I have ever had. No comparison to the previous treatments or biopsies. Back, should nerve/joint & muscle pain. Burning, throbbing and searing.  Sometimes it radiates down my spine mostly up into a migraine. I work and have to read and write! No can do like this!

I cannot live with this pain, so I'm either going off the meds, or getting pain relief. Your story scared me a lot! Can you try steroid shots to block nerve pain?  I sure as hell will, if I go through what you are going through!  I'm stage 2-3. Brain fog is due either to meds or new Hep C stage...

dz
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