Doxazosin

[Beauport]

I was diagnosed with compensated cirrhosis in 2017. Today I was prescribed Doxazosin, an alpha blocker, for palpitations and hypertension. This is supplementary to the Irbesartan and Felodipine I've been on for many years. But I'm not happy with the leaflet on the medication, which lists liver problems amongst its side effects. Has anyone on here been prescribed this drug, and have there been any liver problems as a result? Please don't tell me to ask my GP - my experience is that GPs generally know very little about cirrhosis! Many thanks.

[AyrshireK]

Can you contact your liver specialist via his/her secretary to seek their advice? A pharmacist may also be able to advise as to whether there are contraindications to that or your other meds.

Katir

[Beauport in reply to AyrshireK]

I can indeed. The problem is, I'm flying to Morocco very early on Tuesday morning 14th February, so I may not get an answer from my new gastro in time. (My previous "liver man" who had looked after me for 6 years, has left the NHS, sadly).

[AyrshireK in reply to Beauport]

Worth a try before you go. Obviously you must have some sort of BP, heart issue if you are needing these meds - I note that the Felodipine is usually contraindicate for those with a damaged liver.I guess it's a case of which condition is the most immediately life threatening and it's probably the BP, hear, stroke risk.

However, when a medicine lists the potential for liver damage as a side effect then usually regular liver bloods need to be done to check it isn't causing problems there.

Katie

[Beauport in reply to AyrshireK]

Thanks Katie. I'm waiting for my consultant's brilliant secretary to call me back. I do get six monthly ultrasounds and bloods - in fact I'm due my next tests when I get back from Morocco.

[taar]

I've been on Doxacosin since shortly after my tp 4m ago, now at maximum dose, prescribed by QE Birmingham, due to my blood pressure not settling. I think you can trust the liver team to know what they are doing...well, here's hoping, anyway! Good luck to you.

[Beauport in reply to taar]

Thanks taar. I trust my liver team absolutely - it's the GPs I question when it comes to my liver as their knowledge is very limited. After six years of cirrhosis and the support of this group, I think I probably know more about the liver than my GP does! It's reassuring to know you've had no problems with Doxazosin - thanks you.

[retwos]

I'm on the same meds have been for 7 years and my liver is fine

[Beauport in reply to retwos]

Can I ask what dosage of Doxazosin you're on?

[retwos in reply to Beauport]

4mg