Medication

[Alandy]

How is it that no two doctors give you the same answer. Like is it OK to take this or is it OK to take that. When I look up what medication I am on. It says you shouldn't take that if you have liver issues. But when I ask my doctors. They have no idea?

[AyrshireK]

Most medications give warnings about liver issues. (Even those used to treat liver issues).A pharmacist may be able to advise on absolute contraindications or your liver specialist.

*My hubby was once prescribed Daktarin gel for oral thrush and liver unit had a 'hairy fit' because it can cause issues with liver bloods.

Non-steroidal anti inflammatories are a problem for cirrhosis patients - irritation of stomach lining, blood thinning properties etc.

Whatever medication you take has to be processed by the liver and this is where issues potentially arise

[NieceByMarriage]

To be fair, I think it is difficult. As AyrshireK has pointed out, the medication has to be processed by the liver, but as she has also said, a competent pharmacist or your liver specialist should be able to be clear on anything that is an absolute No No.

As with so many things these days, I think you will likely benefit from doing as much research as you can, as well as asking your doctor. Possibly before asking your doctor, so you can ask targeted questions.

My approach with anything like this is to consider whether the medication is absolutely necessary, and then I consider what method of taking the drug might be less tough on the liver. For instance, I will personally choose to tolerate a slight headache and wait for it to go away, rather than take a painkiller. If I did take a painkiller it would be paracetamol rather than NSAID. When I was really struggling with shoulder pain and ibuprofen was suggested, I used some topical gel rather than taking it orally.

Of course it also depends on what condition your liver is in. In my case I believe my liver is in worse shape than the doctors think, and I want to be kind to it, but I am for sure nowhere near cirrhosis.

[Jasper05]

Not a lot of gp understand liver disease I've had the same issues

[NicharrisonMarch2022 in reply to Jasper05]

Had a gp arguing with me once because i refused to take a prescription for ibuprofen because my hepatology consultant advised me to not take it.

Consultant ended up writing a letter to the practise explaining my PSC condition and why I was told not to take it.

[Roy1955]

A Dr has very little knowlage about drug side effects or what unwanted reactions drugs might cause, that's a pharmacists job!

[0range5520]

Thank you for making that clear. I was under the false impression that I would only be prescribed something that was safe, and a Dr would have more knowledge. I will certainly have my wits about me next time and get the pharmacist to check.