Question about LFT (liver test) - Pain Management Message Board

morgyporgy · 12-06-2007, 03:01 PM

I may have mentioned that my dr. has ordered a liver function test and i am glad but i am curious about something. If this test does show an issue, will my dr. cut off all meds or just switch meds to something without the APAP. I explained to him at my last appt. that my pain levels were up and i had the impression that he was going to up my meds but first he wanted to get the LFT done since it's been about 2 yrs. I have only been taking the Norco 10/325 4x a day for about 1 1/2 yrs.

My biggest concerns are the fact that i have no insurance. I am scared if they do find something wrong, what will i do? And if he does change meds, what will it be and what will the cost be. Luckily i found a program here that will do the test for me for $10.00 since i am poor. LOL I realize nobody here can read my drs. mind but what would you think he would go to next after the Norco? That is the only med i have ever taken so i have no clue.

Thanks in advance for any input. God Bless, morgy porgy

painaway · 12-06-2007, 08:45 PM

Just my opinion, but I would think your liver should be fine, since you aren't taking above 4000mg of APAP a day. Furthermore, if he does switch you to something stronger, I'd say he'll probably use something like Oxycontin (because it doesn't have the APAP in it, and that's what messes with the liver). I've read that you can get the generic 10mg for about $30 for 100 at somewhere like Walgreens. Anybody else know more?

paulo60 · 12-06-2007, 10:20 PM

Well, the best thing to hope for is normal levels on the LFT's, ALT, etc. Unless you have had liver disease, you will probably come out ok. No insurance, so you pay out of pocket for the norco? If it works, and your LFT's are ok, try to stay on it, as it is one of the least expensive drugs out there. A 30 day supply of oxycontin can set you back close to $300. I had liver disease (HCV for 36 years) was finally cured, was on norco for 7 years at 5 a day, and still my LFT's were fine. BUT, if your aren't, there is another brand of norco that isn't loaded with acetimenophen, which might be an ok switch anyway. Best of luck to you. Paulo

paulo60 · 12-06-2007, 10:28 PM

I think there is a problem getting generic oxycontin. I tried when I came back to the states in March and was told by the pharmacist at WalMart that Purdue had gotten an injunction preventing generics from the market, except for one competitor. I couldn't get it in March, and at WalMart paid about $300 for a 30 day supply of 20mg 3xdaily. Good luck in finding a generic, if you do please post the news for others who also may lack insurance, it would be really great news. Paulo