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Anyone here have arthritis along with Liver Problems

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Posted 5/1/2013 7:29 PM (GMT 0)
I'm trying to find out what arthritis medication may be safe to take that will not cause further damage to my liver

Mar

Posted 5/1/2013 7:42 PM (GMT 0)
Mar, I've had arthritis for years and now also have osteoporosis. I started out with Davocet which was changed to Darvon when I was found to have hep C. For a number of years now, I've been taking Lortab. It was 7.5/500 for most of that time. about 2 mos. ago it was changed to 10/500. The 500 is acetaminophen. I'm allowed to take 1200 to 2000 mg of acetaminophen per day. I seldom go above 1000 mg. NO ibuprofen. As mentioned, stay away from NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.)

Hugs,
Connie
Posted 5/1/2013 7:58 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Connie,

My hep recommended Mobic/meloxicam and he said I could try Methotrexate but the list of side effects on that are awful.

I'm currently using Meloxicam at the lowest possible dose but it's not all that effective.

Mar

Post Edited (Marburg) : 5/1/2013 4:52:19 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 5/2/2013 4:25 AM (GMT 0)
Why would he recommend Mobic? Mobic is an NSAID

Mar
Posted 5/2/2013 5:19 AM (GMT 0)
You're right, Mar. Some doctors don't think about what drugs are bad for the liver. You would be better off using Lortab or Percocet or anything that doesn't include an anti-inflammatory drug. I used to work for a nephrologist (kidney specialist) and NSAIDs also cause kidney problems. He once said if everyone would stop using NSAIDs, there would be far fewer kidney problems. He had no problem prescribing Percocet, but wouldn't prescribe NSAIDs.

Hugs,
Connie
Posted 5/2/2013 4:53 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Connie.

I am getting confused about the meds. He said acetaminophen is also in the same class as NSAIDs. I will ask him again when I go for a followup.

Mar
Posted 5/2/2013 7:23 PM (GMT 0)
No. Acetaminophen is NOT an NSAID. What kind of doctor are you seeing? PCPs don't know much about liver disease or specialties in general. However, as I mentioned, you have to watch how much acetaminophen you take. I found that moist heat helps, sometimes more than meds, when my neck or back is giving me fits. I didn't take ANY kind of pain killers the first 7 yrs. of my sobriety...was afraid it might lead to drinking or back to drugs. I had over-the-door traction, a TENS unit, a consult with a neurosurgeon and one with a rheumatologist, tried capsaicin cream, and was heading towards accupuncture, when I caved and decided to try Darvocet. P.S. I stayed sober.

Here's a good resource to check on drug ingredients: www.rxlist.com

Hugs,
Connie
Posted 5/2/2013 7:38 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Connie,

He's a liver and gastro specialist. I think I must have misnderstood him about Acetaminophen. I just got an answer back from him and he said it is not in the same class as Nsaids.

So I'm thinking I can take a low dose of acetainophen for the arthritis.  I will try moist heat first, however, as I really don't want to take more meds than necessary.

Thank you again.
Mar
Posted 5/3/2013 3:46 AM (GMT 0)
Mar, glad you straightened that out. The sad fact is that what works best is NSAIDs. And keep moving. Walking, but no jogging. Slow movement exercise like some modified yoga (though I can no longer get on the floor--artificial hips.)

Hugs,
Connie
Posted 5/3/2013 5:08 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Connie,

Yep, I'm going to the gym and doing movement exercises. I can't get down on the floor either. I need a new knee but even with insurance can't afford the surgery. Need weight loss surgery but can't afford that either so trying to do it the hard way with weight watchers and exercise.

I have arthritis in both knees (left is worst), lower spine and both shoulders. Have carpal tunnel in both hands.

Now I'm just waiting to hear back from all specialists to see if I can take the Acetaminophen.
Mar

Post Edited (Marburg) : 5/3/2013 11:11:34 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 5/3/2013 6:37 PM (GMT 0)
Acetaminophen is safe, as long as it's less than 2,000 mg/day. It's good that you are checking with you doctors, though. It's best to take no more than 1200 mg/day on a regular basis.

Hugs,
Connie
Posted 5/3/2013 6:52 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Connie

When I did take Acetaminphen it was usually under 500 mg a day. I just want to be sure it won't lower my platelets due to existing anemia.

Mar
Posted 5/4/2013 12:20 AM (GMT 0)
I also have anemia...ever since transplant. My numbers have not changed at all.

Hugs,
Connie
Posted 5/4/2013 12:24 AM (GMT 0)
That's good to know. I've had anemia since last April due to low iron. Iron came up and platelets dropped.

I will go with Acetaminophen 325-500mg unless I hear something else from the doctors.

Mar
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