Hep C and lithium

[Shnoogy]

My doc just scribed me lithium for my mood disorder....She knows I have Hep C...My question is this going to cause further Damage?  I know all medications can cause damage....Im just not sure if I should take it...Though I know I could use a little stabilization.

[Shnoogy]

My hep Specialist approved it...I talked to her after I talked to the other docter...so Im going to start...I have a liver bipsy tomorrow so I dont know if I should start tomorrow or wait one more day....Im not sure if it would do anything to the bipsy or not....I wouldnt think so...

[Marc1955]

Because Lithium is associated with liver damage, you doc should probably consult with a hepatologist before putting you on the medication. Are you under the care of any kind of liver specialist? If not, I think you could ask your doctor to investigate the issue before settling on the prescription. Unless you have serious liver damage, my hunch is that you'll proceed with the medication, but since this is usually envisioned as a long-term treatment, it makes sense to ask this question at the beginning rather than be surprised down the road.


My opinion, and I am no expert, is that you should start the medication until you get clearance from a liver specialist.I would hope your doctor would agree. I think it's his or her responsibility to inform themselves on this issue.