Medication

[Lippy42]

Hi is carvedilol safe to take if you have liver disease portal hypertension

Thanks for any information

[AyrshireK]

Carvedilol & Propanolol are the normal beta blockers for the treatment of portal hypertension with cirrhosis.

[Lippy42 in reply to AyrshireK]

👍😊

[jazzjam]

I take carvedilol for portal hypertension and I have cirrhosis. No issues for me and I have been taking it a good few years now.

[Cat-B]

Yes, it reversed my portal hypertension and I no longer have varacies.

[Sharonmcfarlane in reply to Cat-B]

can I please ask was it fatty liver disease or alcohol related please , thank you

[Lippy42 in reply to Sharonmcfarlane]

decompansated alcohol liver disease

[Sharonmcfarlane in reply to Lippy42]

thank u

[Cat-B in reply to Sharonmcfarlane]

mine was alcohol related, but any cause of PH is treated the same

[Sharonmcfarlane in reply to Cat-B]

thank You

[Benwillfred]

If you're not sure then speak to your doctor or specialist.

[x007jcp]

Hi Lippy - I was found to have esophageal varices and was prescribed carvedilol earlier this year. I was very perturbed about the potential side effects and "stigma" of beta blockers. However, some searching shows this is a very common way to reduce the amount of blood that seeks alternative routes around an abnormally congested liver. After four months taking carvedilol I can report no discernible side effects. Before starting the drug I monitored my blood pressure and heart rate twice a day and measured a quick and definite reduction after starting the drug. Based on my experience you should have no concerns.

[Doechloe]

i also take carvedi;ol for cirrhosis and portal hypertension, and no issues for me either .

[oap74]

I had my medication changed in hospital over a year ago to carvedilol twice a day and have had no side effects what’s so ever if anything feel slightly better for it. I was in hospital for a serious Barrett’s bleed. All fine now.

[CarpeDiem11]

Portal hypertension can lead to burst varices in the oesophagus. There are 2 main ways to deal with this. One, they send you for regular endoscopies and "band" any varices that are of a certain grade. Two, they prescribe beta blockers- usually carvedilol, to lower the pressure in the portal vein. If you can manage the highest dose of carvedilol, the hope is that you no longer need endoscopies (this is currently under research). Obviously taking tablets is more convenient and less stressful for the patient. Also, the cost of endoscopies is more than the price of the tablets.

The hope is that endoscopies will not be needed for "checking up " purposes, if people can tolerate the highest dose of carvedilol, since the carvedilol will prevent formation of varices. That's the hope- currently under research as I say. So in time, we may see the end of endoscopies for most because the carvedilol stops the varices forming. Fingers crossed

[shellrock in reply to CarpeDiem11]

or they can put a stent to bypass the liver which reduces blood pressure

[Murffie68]

My cardiologist prescribed Carvedilol for my overall high blood pressure knowing that I have a fibrotic liver, and my Hepatologist OK'd my use it. I can report that it is effective and that I have had no side effects.

[Pheebe]

My Dr. prescribed Carvedilol. 3.125 mg twice a day. He would like to eventually double it, but I would not be able to tolerate more. light headed/ weak/nauseaus. He wants my systolic pressure 80 or under. (top number) I'm also on a water pill to help ascites go away. Maybe that is affecting BP too .