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Toxic Medications/supplements/vitamins
Toxic Medications:
Many people with hepatitis C also suffer from other illnesses or disorders which require them to take medications. Many medications both prescription and over-the-counter drugs can be quite toxic to the liver (see list below).
The author notes that for example; taking paracetamol (acetaminophen in the USA)
on an empty stomach or with alcohol can be harmful.
Eating regularly will help avoid this as well as help you absorb any other
medications or supplements you are taking. But, if you are in pain, paracetamol is the
best option with a safe dosage being 500mg four times a day or 2g daily (Riley, 2001
- part 1).
List of Toxic Medications:
Many people with hepatitis C also suffer from other illnesses or disorders which require them to take medications. Many medications both prescription and over-the-counter drugs can be quite toxic to the liver (see list below).
The author notes that for example; taking paracetamol (acetaminophen in the USA)
on an empty stomach or with alcohol can be harmful.
Eating regularly will help avoid this as well as help you absorb any other
medications or supplements you are taking. But, if you are in pain, paracetamol is the
best option with a safe dosage being 500mg four times a day or 2g daily (Riley, 2001
- part 1).
List of Toxic Medications:
Hepatotoxic (toxic to the liver) Vitamins and Supplements:
Many vitamins and supplements can cause damage to the liver depending on the dose. One study in the USA found that up to one third of the patients in a liver clinic used herbal remedies. One of the most hepatotoxic vitamins is Vitamin A and anyone taking vitamin A supplements should be aware that doses higher than 25,000 IU (international units) per day may be dangerous. Most multivitamin preparations contain 4,000 IU vitamin A, which is well within the safety range. One of the few supplements which has been shown to be beneficial to the liver but without any toxic effects is Milk Thistle (Silybum Marianum) and there is no evidence of toxicity related to the pure form of milk thistle. It is known to protect cells in our liver that is not damaged (Riley, 2001
Many vitamins and supplements can cause damage to the liver depending on the dose. One study in the USA found that up to one third of the patients in a liver clinic used herbal remedies. One of the most hepatotoxic vitamins is Vitamin A and anyone taking vitamin A supplements should be aware that doses higher than 25,000 IU (international units) per day may be dangerous. Most multivitamin preparations contain 4,000 IU vitamin A, which is well within the safety range. One of the few supplements which has been shown to be beneficial to the liver but without any toxic effects is Milk Thistle (Silybum Marianum) and there is no evidence of toxicity related to the pure form of milk thistle. It is known to protect cells in our liver that is not damaged (Riley, 2001
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