Treatment for cirrhosis

[Ruby1960]

Hi all, diagnosed with cirrhosis 2 years ago, caused by hep c. Been successfully treated for the virus. I’m having my 6 monthly checkup but all the doctor says is “how do yo feel”, your liver is stable , see you in 6 months! My question is, why have I not been prescribed any medication. I read on here people saying that they take drugs to help the liver function. I think it’s the lack of information I’m finding difficult to deal with.

[hells456]

There isn't any medication that treats cirrhosis itself. The meds some people take are to treat the underlying liver disease that caused it, like the ones you took to get rid of the virus.

Other meds people talk of are to treat the conditions that can result from cirrhosis, such as HE or ascites. If your liver is stable and you don't have these sort of conditions there is no medicine to take. You will just need bloods and a scan every six months, Endoscopy when needed and to look after your diet and exercise as best as you can.

[Ruby1960 in reply to hells456]

Ok, thanks. I just wondered what meds people were taking and why I didn’t get anything. I suppose that’s good news!

[AyrshireK]

Hi Ruby, there are no medications for cirrhosis or to 'help the liver function'. My hubby has had a cirrhosis diagnosis for 10 years now and isn't on any meds for cirrhosis just meds to deal with the side effects he has from having cirrhosis.

Lactulose and Rifaximin for Hepatic Encephalpathy.

Prednisolone to deal with any potential inflammation from his AIH.

Adcal D3 to counteract calcium stripping from the prednisolone.

Omeprazole to protect his stomach from the prednisolone and because he has portal hypertensive gastropathy.

Phenoxymethyl Penicillin to support his spleen which is non-viable after portal hypertension caused aneurysms in his splenic artery.

He has 6 monthly ultrasound scans, 6 monthly bloods and sees his consultants on a sort of 6 monthly basis. Plus, has an annual endoscopy (though after several years being clear of varices this has now gone to every two years). His liver is also 'stable' at present.

Katie

[Ruby1960 in reply to AyrshireK]

Thank you katie

[Readlots]

Hi Tuby, I take medication but that’s because I have chronic autoimmune diseases rather than a virus. Lots of reasons people need medication but I’m pleased you don’t need any - that’s really good news 😀

[Readlots in reply to Readlots]

Sorry - fat fingers strike again! That should have been ‘Hi Ruby’. I do apologise!