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elevated ammonia level
I have Hep C and cirrhosis of the liver. I started tx 2 months ago. My ammonia levels have been around 175(high) consistently even though I take lactulose daily. Does anyone have any experience with this?
The research is a blind study where I will get either lactulose, a combination of lactulose and Rifaximin or just Rifaximin.
The title of the study is "Rice Trial: Rifaximin in chronic hepatic encephalopathy - a randomized, controlled trial", conducted by the Center for Liver Diseases at the University of Miami.
I will continue to take the copegus, 200 mg, 3 in the am and 3 in the pm and pegasys, one injection a week. It is a tx full of wonderful side effects but provides the possibility of a cure so it is definitely worth it.
I am very fortunate to have a supportive family, especially my wife, and I have met some great people while going through this proccess. Just discovering this web site and reading the postings has been a positive experience.
The title of the study is "Rice Trial: Rifaximin in chronic hepatic encephalopathy - a randomized, controlled trial", conducted by the Center for Liver Diseases at the University of Miami.
I will continue to take the copegus, 200 mg, 3 in the am and 3 in the pm and pegasys, one injection a week. It is a tx full of wonderful side effects but provides the possibility of a cure so it is definitely worth it.
I am very fortunate to have a supportive family, especially my wife, and I have met some great people while going through this proccess. Just discovering this web site and reading the postings has been a positive experience.
Rifaximin is a non-systemic antibiotic used for ulcerative colitis and pouchitis (an internal reservoir for those no longer having a colon). Are they conducting trials for Hep c treatment with it now? That would be interesting because Alinia is another antibiotic which had some encouraging results with genotype 4's.
Or is the trial to see if the ammonia level will drop while taking Rifaximin?
Or is the trial to see if the ammonia level will drop while taking Rifaximin?
Thank you for your responses. I met with my liver doctor and he is recommending I enter a study here at the University of Miami to try a new treatment called Rifaximin. I am going to do it as I don't have many options.
It is odd that my ammonia levels are so high because based on my liver function I barely make it on the list for a transplant and elevated ammonia is usually a syptom of severe liver desease.
I was exposed to hep c about 25 years ago and was not diagnosed until about 1 year ago so it has caused alot of damage to my liver.
It is odd that my ammonia levels are so high because based on my liver function I barely make it on the list for a transplant and elevated ammonia is usually a syptom of severe liver desease.
I was exposed to hep c about 25 years ago and was not diagnosed until about 1 year ago so it has caused alot of damage to my liver.
Sorry Jim I don't know anything about ammonia levels...but I wanted to say hi and welcome you to the looney bin.
I'm sorry you have the disease but this is a GREAT place to be full of wonderful people who will do anything they can to help you. It appears that we don't have too much knowledge about ammonia levels - but maybe we can learn together.
Did you ask your doctor? As none of us in here are a doc usually we ask each other stuff but then followup with a doctor too.
Hang around and ask as many questions as you can. IN this way you will gain power over your disease!
Debby
I'm sorry you have the disease but this is a GREAT place to be full of wonderful people who will do anything they can to help you. It appears that we don't have too much knowledge about ammonia levels - but maybe we can learn together.
Did you ask your doctor? As none of us in here are a doc usually we ask each other stuff but then followup with a doctor too.
Hang around and ask as many questions as you can. IN this way you will gain power over your disease!
Debby
Sounds pretty high. When my brother's levels went up he would become really confused. Here's what I knew to tell him.
Muscular exertion can increase ammonia levels, while cigarette smoking produces significant increases within one hour of inhalation. Drugs that may cause increased levels include alcohol, barbiturates, narcotics, and diuretics. Drugs that may decrease levels include broad-spectrum antibiotics, levodopa, lactobacillus, and potassium salts. We always advised him to eat less protein to lower his ammonia levels but he was pretty non-compliant about everything but muscle exertion. Hope this helps-good luck
Muscular exertion can increase ammonia levels, while cigarette smoking produces significant increases within one hour of inhalation. Drugs that may cause increased levels include alcohol, barbiturates, narcotics, and diuretics. Drugs that may decrease levels include broad-spectrum antibiotics, levodopa, lactobacillus, and potassium salts. We always advised him to eat less protein to lower his ammonia levels but he was pretty non-compliant about everything but muscle exertion. Hope this helps-good luck
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