Pain meds and Hep C

[toughluck]

Since being diagnosed with Hep c have heard a lot about pain meds and my liver. I need to know if Ibupropen is ok, my back is killing me, I'm an auto mechanic and have numerous aches and pains from back, shoulder and headaches from exhaust fumes what is best THANKS JIM

[desrt]

Best thing to do is ask your doctor which type of anti-inflamatory is best for your situation. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is the one that's processed primarily by the liver, but most docs will tell you 2000 or 3000 mg a day is OK, just don't abuse it. My understanding is that even cirrhotics can take up to 1000 mg/day. NSAIDs, like aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen have their own set of problems related to blood thinning and stomach bleeding. Most docs are much less freaked out about HCV patients taking Tylenol than they were 15 years ago. The problems come from people taking way too much. That can actually destroy your liver.
Bottom line - ask your doc and stay within the limits he sets.

[meki]

Will agree with Dsrt.

Because of massive side effects on tx and post tx - (whether those were just excaberated by the tx or not) - my doc has kept me on Percocet 10/325. (tylenol substance is the 325 part).

But I take one --- 1/4 every 4 hours - or a full one - once a day AS NEEDED.

The problem is your liver --- and it filters everything that goes into your blood. It removes the toxins in your body.

But EVERYONE is different. So depending on your biopsy - and your level of damage - discuss it with your doctor. Discuss what you can use... and how often. Because your doctor should be in "tune" with your body. (sorry couldn't resist.)

I also take Ibuprofen on occassion.

But if you're going to take medicine - remember - treat your body as if you were a pregnant woman. EVERYTHING you take - eat - drink is going to have an effect on your liver (your baby that you want to be as healthy as possible). How much - how often - and how your body is doing that day or hour will make that much of a difference, each and every time you ingest something.

Be careful - be wise and enjoy life.

[Better-Angels]

Jim,

Ibuprofen is okay, don't take more than the recommended dose though. I've seen it here that Tylenol filters through the kidneys rather than the liver, so some prefer itk, but I don't know if that's true or not. My husband took Aleve throughout treatment and it doesn't appear to have done him any harm.

I'm sure others will come along with more clarification.

Sorry you have HCV, good luck to you.

Debbe

[MyDzire]

Hello Readers:
In regard to what you've said. A gastro doctor has told me to avoid tylenol products because they ARE harmful to the liver.
Acetaminophen/paracetamol (AKA Tylenol) is the leading cause of acute liver failure.

Have a wonderful day.
Anita

[cat33]

Dr.'s seem to agree that the damage to my liver may have been due to an abusive use of ibuprofen which I used to take for arthritis pain. Now I just have to suffer till I get that biopsy. I don't dare take even one ibuprofen, tylenol or acitomiophin in spite of my pain.

[FlGuy]

Although I try to avoid the stuff I use all three; ibuprofen, acetaminophen and aspirin, sort of on a rotating basis.  The doc is ok with moderation of all three.  He also makes a good point in that the need to finally get rid of the virus (cirrhosis) exceeds the need to worry about the effects of pain relievers (unless used in very high doses).  It's always a balancing act; don't want to cuase further harm to the liver, don't want to impair low platelets but DO want to be successful with treament this time.

[orphanedhawk]

Ibuprophen is not good for your liver. Neither is breathing toxic fumes. Can you wear some kind of filtering mask at work? Since your aches are from the demands on your body, have you considered learning some stretches, or yoga to help? A physical therapist might be able to assist you. My husband has back problems and massage works best for him. Pain relievers mask the cause of the problem.   Good luck and be good to yourself and your liver.