lortab and alcohol consumption once hepatitis c is in remission

[brendac]

my sister has hepatitis c in remission.  she used interferon successfully.  she takes generic lortabs everyday (not her own prescription)(she takes 2 to 6 pills a day) and drinks alcohol sometimes.  she lies by omisson to her doctors.  they don't know she takes the pills. they would not give her any when she asked. she says her doctor said she can drink alcohol sometimes if she wants to.  i don't believe her.  she has an addiction problem.  she will not stop the abusing.  can this cause her hepatitis c to come out of remission?  does interferon work a second time in a case such as hers?  her stomach is very big; bloated.

i am worried sick about my sister.  the people (other family members)who supply her with her pills won't stop no matter what i say.  she is able to con them into doing things her way.  they continue to make excuses for her and for themselves for giving them to her.  my sister is 51 years old.  i think she needs to grow up and take ownership for her actions. it's against the law to do this; isn't it?  she seems to think since she is in remission she can do as she pleases.  

the people who give her the pills use them as a means to try and appease or control her; she has a horrible temper and is used to having things her way. no one can tell her anything. (we also have a greed issue going on).They complain one day about how she abuses them by conning, lying and cheating to get the pills yet say they feel sorry for her the next. no matter what, they will not stop.  this is a case study in dysfunctional families.


please advise me.

thank you

[babs824]

hcv is a virus. it damages the liver. if substances are abused that are toxic to the liver this will cause further damage. the virus will not be reactivated unless one comes in direct blood to blood contact with the virus as in sharing needles or possibly manicure or dental equip etc. once one has damaged the liver and gone thru tx it is wisest to avoid toxic  substances. the best known tx for addiction today is 12 step programs like NA and AA. the abuser must be ready to confront the addiction or it is not likely to work. as a sibling u can help though. ALANON may help u deal with your frustration and give u some tips for sis. good luck, babs

[spoonerdv]

I hope you know what you are talking about I just finished treatment and my other dr perscribed me lortab so I hope it does not bring back my hep c have not talked with gastro doc about it tho

[Fubarcat]

You cannot make your sister quit her abusive habits.  She makes her own choices.  But you can attend Al-Anon or Narcotics Anonymous to help you deal with her situation.  Both have great resources, are free of charge and may help you understand and deal with your sister.  I wish you the best of luck.

[bluepeng]

Your sister is a drug addict.  It's that simple.  12 step program .. lead her to it, but you can't make her go.   You may need some support yourself.   Maybe there is a corresponding addiction forum on medhelp.  As for Lortab & Alcohol ... the acetaminophen (and hydro) combined with alcohol taxes the liver.  Lortabs have a high dose of acetaminophen. I've never read about relapse from medications or alcohol, but we're still very early in the game with this sick f'n virus.

Good luck.

[whoaisme]

I am sorry to hear about your sister and her substance abuse. In answer to your question, no Hepatits, once it has cleared, does not come back from alcohol use. However, she can be damaging her liver with this lifestyle. I wish you strength and wisdom in dealing with her.