Percoet in comparisson to oxy

husband has hep c and cirroshs of the liver and is being perscribed percoet which is loaded with acetaminophen and we believe this shouldnt be because that is harsh on the liver, oxy's would be better for his pain level right? he has much pain in liver area, back, neck ect, from other injuries in his life, but such pain that he cant sit, stand, sleep ect.  also medicines keep being stopped in mid drift due to not being re ordered.  he is in usa prison system, can you advice please.  thank you

[Bill1954]

Tylenol (acetaminophen) is toxic to the liver in large doses; taken in recommended amounts it appears safe. In fact, it’s probably the most recommended analgesic for HCV patients. I had this on file:

Jorge L. Herrera M.D.
Division of Gastroenterology
University of South Alabama College of Medicine
Mobile AL

http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hcsp/articles/Herrera.html

“Acetaminophen use: Contrary to popular belief, acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol®) is perfectly safe for patients with cirrhosis as long as it is used cautiously. Any person who drinks alcohol regularly should not consume any acetaminophen. For patients with early cirrhosis (CPT class A or B), the use of acetaminophen is safe as long as the recommended dose is not exceeded (1,000 mg per dose, repeated no more often than every 6 hours). Patients with more advanced cirrhosis should take only ½ of the recommended dose. In fact, for patients with cirrhosis, acetaminophen, when used as described, is the preferred medication for the treatment of pain.”

Best of luck to you and your husband,

--Bill

[copyman]

percodan is same as percoset except it is with aspirin instead of acetaminophen. maybe he could alternate between the two.

[desrt]

"...1,000 mg per dose, repeated no more often than every 6 hours..." = 4000 mg / day. Seems like a lot of acetaminophen for someone with cirrhosis.

[Trinity4]

Roxicodone has no Tylenol, ibuprofen or aspirin.  99 percent opiate and very addictive but less harsh on the liver.

Trinity