I was diagnosed with RA in December, and was prescribed diclofenac. It helped greatly with the pain, but my liver enzymes have been going up steadily since then even after lowering the dosage. I'm currently off all medications.
I have an appointment to see my rheumatologist on Thursday. What drugs are available that aren't metabolized by the liver?
Thanks
I have the same problem with liver enzymes - I used to take Celebrex but now that bothers my stomach. I sometimes take amitriptyline or cyclobenzaprine and they can raise the enzyme level. I did have to stop taking Tylenol regularly because my enzymes tripled back in December when I was doing that (to replace the Celebrex). I've been on Enbrel for 5 years and those the enzymes may rise a bit, they always have come down if I cut out whatever other med I was taking. So I don't think the Enbrel is bothering my liver. You can go to the websites for the specific drug (such as www.enbrel.com) and see what the usual side effects are, or you can go to www.drugs.com and look up a specific drug. The information is generally correct, but I'm not sure they always include the less common side effects these days. There is always a possibility that a few people will react in an unusual way, so it's good you and your doctor are watching for the undesirable effects. I get my liver enzymes tested every month now - they stopped worrying about most other effects (used to get CBC and creatinine regularly but no longer)
There is also the possibility that your diet can affect your symptoms either positively or negatively. I find I'm better off drinking green tea, for instance, than coffee or black tea, though I do that when I have to (like to stay awake driving). Then I have to recover after I 'crash' from the higher caffeine level. SOme people with RA are sensitive to tomatoes/potatoes/eggplant/green peppers. (I avoid tomato sauce and green peppers, though I used to eat a lot of it before.) Red meat is bad for people with RA and in fact can increase your risk of getting RA, along with smoking (tobacco). So there are things you can do aside from prescription drugs that may make a noticeable impact on how you feel.
All best of luck Jill, and I really feel for you. I'm on Enbrel, 2 anti-depressants, a sleeping aid, and pain meds. They all hurt the liver. Any drug you take, any vitamin you take, any energy drink you drink, any vodka collins (etc), any caffiene, is processed in your liver. There's no escape. There's only the choice between drugs that are hard and less hard on the liver, and any doctor that tells you different is not well educated or does not have a complete viewpoint.
What I do, since I need to be on so many meds, is do a 3 day water fast once a month. It's pretty easy, and incredibly good for anyone, but especially for those of us with autoimmune disorders. It gets rid of toxins, cleans and rests the liver and kidneys, and relieves inflammation.
Also, I take supplements that are supportive and cleansing for the liver. This is really important, and doctors will either deny it or sometimes act contempuously because it's "not science." (yes, it is.)
The one I take, though there are many, is called Daily Balancer, by Wellness Resources (you can find their website online, I promise I don't work for them, I just like their supplements and loads of info about scientific studies and the like). It has, among other scientific things, milk thystle (detoxes the liver) and dandelion (supports the kidneys). These things are well known, safe, and really help.
Mention them to your doctor, and of course be careful since I don't know you and don't know the specifics of your illness or treatment, and I'm not a doctor (and neither do I play one of TV). But these things have helped me a lot. I've been on heavy meds for 7 years now, and my so far my liver is testing out fine.
All best to you truly,
Susan
(Calamity Jane)
I think all tablet form of drugs can and do affect the liver as they all pass thru the liver.
I cannot take most of the rheumatoid drugs or any of the injectables for one reason or another.
However I have been sucessfully taking the anti-inflammatory Orudis 200 mg. (Ketaprophen) for 16 yrs. without any side effects and it works very vey well. I just have to take Pariet (anti-ulcer) drug with it as it can and does give ulcers. I also take between 2-5 mg prednisolone.
Take a liver cleansing tablet that has Milk thistle in particular but some also have dandelion and arichoke too.
Or try another anti-inflammatory. We are all affected differently What works for one does not always work for another.
There is a company coming up with drug patches and instead of having metal in the patch like the nicotine patches they use Vitamin E. The company is Phosphagenics and should have these available by end this year. This would be great for those of us who cannot take the tablets and injections as these patches are also slow release probably easier on the body system.
Thanks for all the responses. Because of my most recent lab results, the rheum. thinks that I may have had some liver damage from a previous viral infection. He's suggesting a liver biopsy, and I go to see my regular doc next week. I'll be sure to ask her about these supplements that help the liver.
i've had 2 liver biopsys in the past year - thank god i won't have to have another for 5 years if i can stay off most of the prescriptions!!!
they aren't as bad as it sounds - only hurts for a little while.
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i was on celebrex - felt so much better - also have fibromyalgia - so drugs have been a big part of my life for years now. last year found out i have pbc (primary biliary cirrhosis) - this has been caused by the many drugs that have hurt my liver. i now only take 4 prescription drugs and milk thistle (for liver function) twice a day... have taken the milk thistle for almost a year now - liver function is "normal" again!!!! i hurt but i'm not sick. also put ground cloves in my tea - cloves are good for you!!! and i'm very careful what goes in the mouth. everything that goes in your mouth makes your liver work.....