Carvedilol

[Janden12]

Hi I was diagnosed with cirrhosis just 3 years ago and since nov 24 have been taking ursodeoxycholic. Yesterday I had a gastroscopy and results showed 4 grade 1 varices in Oesophagus no banding was done report says few barely noticeable distal variceal columns noticed.

I have been prescribed Carvedilol on reading leaflet it says do not take if you have liver disease

I also have a history of heart/stroke in my family so was wandering if this would still be ok to take and also how long does it take for the side affects to kick in once you start taking it.

Thanks for anyone who has experienced similar situation

[AyrshireK]

Carvedilol is the 'go to' beta blocker in the treatment of portal hypertension in cirrhosis patients. It's portal hypertension that has caused your varices.

The majority of patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension will be prescribed carvedilol or propanolol to prevent the varices from getting worse or potentially bursting.

The usually start you on a low dose first to see how you tolerate it then increase for maximum effect. I doubt you will physically notice any 'improvement' but internally it should do it's job and hopefully reverse those varices.

Katie

[x007jcp]

Hi Janden - I had exactly the same observation after gastroscopy finding varices, being prescribed carvedilol by the consultant and reading the warning you’ve seen! Double checked with the gp who said it was ok. Been on it two years with no issues. Your call obviously but the stuff is to reduce heart blood pressure output thereby reducing the risk of a potentially fatal bleed out. Two of my three varices have gone. We have to trust our clinicians. Best wishes for swift and successful recovery, C

[AyrshireK]

Basically if you read the patient information leaflet of every single medication it says the same. The only medications my hubby ever had issues with were Daktarin Gel for oral thrush (liver unit had a hairy fit when they found out his GP had prescribed it) and Cyclizine (an anti sickness med) which shouldn't be issued to patients with Hepatic Encephalopathy and hubby had that at the time leading to him becoming almost comatose.

You are correct to be wary but carvedilol is commonly used in cirrhosis patients.

Katie

[Janden12]

thank you all for your reply did anyone suffer the side affects or Carvedilol I’m on the lowest doze only worried about the dizziness as suffer with my ears which can put me of balance sometimes

[AyrshireK in reply to Janden12]

If you are suffering side effects then make sure you tell who ever has prescribed. There is the alternative of propanolol if carvedilol isn't good for you.

[Kenzone62]

I have been on Carvedilol 3 years ,last year I had my second gastroscopy and it had improved so now I am on 3.125 x 2 a day 1 morning 8am and 1 about 6pm, No real side effects

[DaveQ67]

Hi , I’ve been on carvedilol since diagnosis. Nearly 2 years. I have 1 minor varices.

Tbh, I’ve had no side effects other than on occasion frequent urination. The first winter I noticed I was unusually cold even in the house. There seems to be a few others on here with the same.

[Milled100]

Hi. I have been on Carvedilol 6.25ml for two months now. The only side effect so far is that I get very cold at times and it takes me quite a while to warm up. Like yourself I was diagnosed with varices which I had never heard of until I had a gastroscopy. I also read on the leaflet that it shouldn't be taken if you had liver problems but after checking with the hospital I was assured it would be ok and that lots of other people were taking them for the same thing and were doing very well.

Fingers crossed everyone on the same journey.

[Jasper05]

Hi I started taking this medication but only managed 26 days due to the side affects unfortunately it put my blood pressure up to high I ended up with muscle pain and pins and needles my gp took me off them not everybody gets side affects I also have portal hypertension and I'm going for another endoscopy at the end of the month perhaps you could try them like I did I hope all goes well for you x

[FlashyD]

I was prescribed that before my liver transplant. My consultant called them something like wobble pills because they can make you dizzy. Not everyone mind. I was fine with them. Good luck with your health 🙏 xx

[Poinsettia3]

Hi l also have cirrhosis and was prescribed Carvedilol about 18 months ago following an endoscopy which showed grade one varices. I think it is widely prescribed to those with this condition to lower the portal hypertension which therefore slows down varices from getting worse. I also have a lot of family history of strokes and heart attacks. I have had no problem with it apart from nightmares the first couple of times l took it but my Pharmacist advised not taking it after 8pm and l've had no trouble since! Wishing you all the best

[Poinsettia3]

Hi l also have cirrhosis and was prescribed Carvedilol about 18 months ago following an endoscopy which showed grade one varices. I think it is widely prescribed to those with this condition to lower the portal hypertension which therefore slows down varices from getting worse. I also have a lot of family history of strokes and heart attacks. I have had no problem with it apart from nightmares the first couple of times l took it but my Pharmacist advised not taking it after 8pm and l've had no trouble since! Wishing you all the best

[Jerryberry]

I have been taking Carvedilol for 4 years , been told it's to prevent problems with the portal vein , never had any problems

[jacobsmum24]

I have been on Carvedilol for almost 6 years now. In the first month I did experience a bit of dizziness after I took my tablet first thing in the morning so I switched to taking it just before bedtime. I have had zero side effects since then. I was at my six monthly review yesterday and asked the nurse if I would ever receive a follow-up endoscopy to check if my three smallish varices had changed. She advised it wasn't necessary as the Carvedilol will be doing what it's supposed to do.

[Vicars-wife]

Hi. I take it, and no longer have varices, but continue on Carvedilol in small doses if doesn't impact the liver and recent studies show it actually helps with fatty liver. Hope you feel more comfortable with them. Best wishes