Furosemide advice

[thewayforward]

My partner (with advanced cirrhosis) has sudden leg oedema that started three days ago.Didn't have ascites for 4 years.He was prescribed furosemide 20 mg and took first tablet today.How long does take to start working?

thanks everybody in advance x

[Kristian]

It doesn't take long before you start to notice it starting to work. It may take a while before you notice much difference with the oedema, but you will start to see the effects within a day or so.

[thewayforward]

Thanks very much! He didn't experience any effect at all,maybe the dose is too low?It's 20mg per day.How much did you take?

[Njovu]

Hi I was put on it yesterday - took 7 hours to really start working - exhausted peed all night - 3/4 bucketful 3kg

[thewayforward]

Hi! thanks for replying.Glad it worked for you. How much are you taking? Because he took 20 mg yesterday without any effect.

[Brett11]

20 mg does seem quite low. I’m on 40 mg a day and sometimes 80 mg when it gets bad. You should start peeing within an hour or so. The pee should look like tap water. If it doesn’t then he could have an infection. He needs to see his doctor before increasing his dose.

Cheers,

Brett

[thewayforward in reply to Brett11]

thanks,Brett.Yes,if there is no change till Monday we'll go back to the doctor

[mncold]

Hi thewayforward,

My husband takes 40mg once a day in the AM. The doctors generally start out with the dosage they hope will work because that is usually better for you. They may then change either the dosage or add or subtract other meds as needed based on what the patient says [or what we, as their partners observe]. Everyone reacts differently to meds so there may be nothing to worry about.

If you have concerns you should give your doctor's office a call and let them know what is going on. They are the ones who know what all is going on and what other issues they may need to track.

Best wishes to you and your partner,

Mary

p.s. my hubby has had his diuretics changed a couple times since his diagnosis, just to let you know.

[thewayforward in reply to mncold]

Many many thanks,i'ts a truly helpful reply.Wishing you and your hubby wellxx

[elle-boop]

Hi, i have been on furosemide and it’s generally takes a while to kick in. It’s a loop diuretic so works by eliminating water from entire body in the hope that the area affected will normalise. I’m assuming you’ve been told about salt and processed food that contain salt. Does he drink any alcohol? If diet contains salt or alcohol or if he’s taking medication that is contra indicated for cirrhosis patients then the foresemide may not work quickly or very well. Is it just in one leg or both? Has your doctor checked for other causes of oedema in one area? Has he any swelling in abdominal or shortness of breath that could indicate ascites? Has he tried spirinolactone before for liver related fluid? If not it’s an option although tends to give more side effects so is generally prescribed by a consultant. If your only in contact with your Gp at this point do insist that he emails your consultants secretary as sudden ascites or oedema is something the consultant will want to know about.

I don’t think you should panic yet but understand it’s a difficult and scary illness to live with. A doctor will prescribe foresemide first because it’s less risky and in a tolerable dose. If it’s not working it’s important they know that and they’ll either increase the dose or switch to different medication. It’s wise for them to try gentler amount first as these meds often carry they’re own set of risks.

My name is Ellice and I have advanced cirrhosis due to auto immune disease. I’ve lived with the disease since I was 4 and understand it’s difficult for all of you. I hope things settle down very soon. Take care, E

[thewayforward in reply to elle-boop]

Dearest Ellice,thanks so much for your reply! You are 100% right,it took a couple of days to kick in and it's working now.Consultant being notified.Take care and thanks for all the positiveness! xx

[elle-boop in reply to thewayforward]

I’m very glad it’s starting to work for him. I hope things settle down for you for as long as possible. Do write any time your worried. E