Pain killers for liver cirrhosis patients - British Liver Trust

British Liver Trust

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Pain killers for liver cirrhosis patients

Shiva_ profile image
19 Replies

Hi,

Is it safe to use pain killers on liver cirrhosis patient.My mother aged 68 is getting treated for Liver and has recently been diagnosed for reduction in synovial fluid and knee joint effusion.Arthopedic doctor has prescribed painkillers which I doubt is unsafe to administer on her.Earlier doctor who treated her for currhosis has suggested to never use medicines like sleeping pills,paracermol, antibiotics and painkillers.Please advise.Thanks.

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Shiva_ profile image
Shiva_
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19 Replies
Fastkat profile image
Fastkat

A lot of us can’t take pain killers so I would listen to your liver doctor. I mistakenly took some in cough mixture and went through hell while my liver tried to deal with it. I just accept I can’t have them and just deal with the pain.

If disease is early stage maybe doctor can prescribe something?

Shiva_ profile image
Shiva_ in reply toFastkat

Have you tried ayurveda pal, I have heard it has some very effective and useful medicines for treating liver ailments.

Appreciate your response ,thanks.

Wendimurray profile image
Wendimurray in reply toShiva_

Can you share what ayurveda pal is to help with liver ailments?? Thanks!

AyrshireK profile image
AyrshireK in reply toWendimurray

Ayurveda is an ancient / historical system of medicine from the Indian sub-continent. Some of it is religion based mixed with herbal, mineral and general 'wellness' applications. In the Western World it is labelled as alternative / psuedo medicine and whilst there might be 'believers' in such things it has no scientific or proven research and indeed some of their 'medicine' products when laboratory tested were found to contain dangerous compounds and toxic heavy metals.

I doubt any medical professional dealing with the liver in the UK would advise trying any of these 'therapies'.

I would say paracetamol only, Never use ibuprofen.

Fastkat profile image
Fastkat

Just came back from clinic and they won’t give me anything for pain relief. I would only try something approved by my consultant so looks like I’m stuck with the pain

Faithfull profile image
Faithfull in reply toFastkat

Me as well not just liver but spinal stenosis and arthritis everywhere the pain is insufferable no relief .

Nof1nidea123 profile image
Nof1nidea123 in reply toFaithfull

Me to I have cirrhosis caused my methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis now stopped as have all my medication antidepressants pain killers iv been completely cold turkey over Christmas not even allowed a paracetamol for a cold.

AyrshireK profile image
AyrshireK in reply toNof1nidea123

It's strange how different doctors act with this. My husband was prescribed paracetemol, tramadol and given both IV and oral morphine following a procedure at hospital (liver hospital) and he at the time was just about to be listed for liver transplant list. He is advised to take a reduced dosage of paracetemol and been give the ok to do so by liver team - this for headaches, post endoscopy pain, cold/flu symptoms etc. Deffo no Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatories.

When we queried the tramadol due to it's strength we were told that when if pain is unbearable it takes precedence over a liver issue.

Go figure, strange as I say how different doctors or units treat this issue.

Katie

Nof1nidea123 profile image
Nof1nidea123 in reply toAyrshireK

Well in fairness told to stop meds as all are potential harmful gp writing to hepatology team. Rheumatoid team also writing to hepatology team to see how to progress. In the mean time I have pain can tell my depression coming back and I'm going crazy I have a mother with dimentia who I can normally handle but I'm struggling as all my coping mechanism gone. And I am trying to hold down a job. Gp says I should try counciling rheumatoid team say the only thing they suggest is I lose weight.

I'm sure it will be fine once I control my crying and pull my self together

Nof1nidea123 profile image
Nof1nidea123 in reply toNof1nidea123

Sorry everyone didn't mean to rant

Fastkat profile image
Fastkat in reply toNof1nidea123

Rant all you like there are plenty of people hear who know how you feel.

I don’t tell friends anymore when I go through a rough patch as it sounds like I’m always moaning. Unfortunately my wife bears the brunt!

Nof1nidea123 profile image
Nof1nidea123 in reply toFastkat

I'm in the same boat can't take analgesic but yesterday I bought volterol 12 hour gel it cost 10 pound. It's early days but it certainly made a difference my pharmacist dosnt want me to use it regularly but I feel happy I have something when my pain is bad

AyrshireK profile image
AyrshireK in reply toNof1nidea123

You really need to be careful with these gels - Voltarol is Diclofenac ( a very strong non-steroidal inflammatory ) and even though it is being absorbed by the skin it still needs to be processed through the liver albeit a little less than oral diclofenac.

Nof1nidea123 profile image
Nof1nidea123 in reply toNof1nidea123

Yes I am using very sparingly and a am trying to manage without when I can. Iv used it twice now. Pharmacist says as long as I don't use regularly

Kristian profile image
Kristian

I was in the same situation as Ayrshire K's husband. Basically told no NSAIDs, which includes asprin, and use a reduce dose of paracetamol. Antibiotics were also prescribed too, they just had to take a view on the appropriate type and dose based on my condition. But in a lot of cases it was better to treat than not. The risks of not doing can far outweigh any benefits of not doing.

There are though clearly issues with long term analgesic use. Which i am sure that they may have more concerns about, particularly in those with chronic pain issues.

My husband's liver doctor [we are in the U.S.] said to take tylenol regular strength but not to go over the lower recommended doseage.

Mary

Faithfull profile image
Faithfull

They did put me on pain patches but that was for the calcium nodular in pec also whole arm chest off me head with the pain then off me head mentally physically detox off them yes the cold turkey along with the pain I think your doing really well.

Justme1983 profile image
Justme1983

i just had full mouth dental surgery and I have cirrhosis of the liver. My doctors prescribed me Ketorolac 10MG both times when I needed pain medication The other time was for my umbilical hernia repair surgery. Maybe ask your doctor about it?

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