Flucloxacillin

[kat54]

My husband has been diagnosed with cirrhosis in February, has given up alcohol and is doing well. He doesn't have to see his consultant again for 6 months. He has pain in his lower leg and ankle which the doctor says could be an infection and was prescribed flucloxacillin. We are reluctant to start this medication as instructions say it can worsen liver disease. Can anyone help with this? Thanks.

[LAJ123]

Hello and happy new year,

Sorry about the dilemma you find yourself in.

I perfectly understand your reluctance as you want the best for you husband. I hope apart from the suspected infection, he's doing well.

Clearly you need advice as with cirrhosis an infection is something you want to avoid. My suggestion is to call NHS 111 and they will be able to give sound medical advice.

If the advisor cannot give an answer they can organise an out of hours GP to call you back.

It just so happened that I did this myself this morning. I am post transplant and had a cold sore suddenly appear. They were able to arrange a prescription that I'm picking up this afternoon.

Please let us know how it goes for you.

Yours,

Jim and Lucy

[LAJ123]

nhs.uk/NHSEngland/AboutNHSs...

[Paulio]

Sorry if I have missed something that is maybe written 'between the lines' here, but I am curious as to why you seemingly didn't ask your husband's doctor why is he is prescribing Flucloxacillin given your husband's known cirrhosis?

I am merely curious and am unable to offer any advice

[kat54 in reply to Paulio]

We didn't know until we read the accompanying leaflet that the medication was unsuitable for patients with cirrhosis. You expect your go to know these things.

[Paulio in reply to kat54]

Yes, I take your point. It surprises me that your Doc would have prescribed it given he must know of your husbands Cirrhosis.

I wish you well.

[cazer]

just ring GPS and say you want to check its okay with cirrhosis... or ring the pharmacy and they can give advice.

unfortunately a lot of meds can be a problem with cirrhosis... so docs weigh up benefits against side effects... however there are different antibiotics and some are better than others for liver patients. just check that's easiest.

was it his gp or or locum?? he/she could have missed his cirrhosis diagnosis... unless its clearly highlighted.

best wishes cazer

[kat54 in reply to cazer]

Thank you. It was his GP.

[Hidden]

I'd think twice before I started on a known liver toxic antibiotic based solely on a hunch.

Does he have a skin ulcer in the area? Is his temperature elevated? Is his white cell count high in blood labs? Is there a less toxic anti-B that might be used?

All meds prescribed by his GP should be run past his liver doc before the prescription is filled.

[Roy1955]

Sounds like the GP has just guessed that the leg pain is an infection without doing any tests.

That's VERY bad prescribing!

Giving anyone an antibiotic without proof that it's needed is just 100% wrong!

Go back and insist the cause is investigated and don't be sent out with a prescription that a Dr hands out just to get you out of the door.

[mncold]

Sorry I have no knowledge of this. My husband, with cirrhosis, has taken antibiotics - not sure what. Perhaps the pharmacist can give you some info. But call your doctor because you don't want an infection to get worse.

Mary

[kat54]

Thanks to everyone for their input. Contacted liver docor and its ok to take the medication.

[Ebooth]

Do not please give him the dreaded flucloxocillin. This stuff ruined my mums liver beyond repair. It should not be given to people with liver issues. It’s actually banned in Australia for causing liver failure.

[Ebooth in reply to Ebooth]

Try put something natural on his leg like manuka honey. Then wrap it and leave it a few days. Worked a treat on my mum.