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Elmiron and blood test for liver

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  • #1

    Elmiron and blood test for liver

    A previous post made me think of this topic. How often does one get their blood tested for their liver while on Elmiron? I have been on it since last July 2003 and my doctor has not even mentioned any blood tests for my liver.

    Cali
    Cali

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  • #2
    Cali,
    I am not sure of how often. I have my liver function checked every 6 months anyway, due to I have been on Lipitor for years. I am not sure how often to check for the Elmiron. Maybe one of the others who has been "around" longer will know, or call your Dr. and ask? Good Luck to you.
    grouphug Kif
    Always try to do the right thing; it will astonish some people and gratify the rest- Mark Twain



    DX: IC-2003, Systemic Lupus w/secondary Sjogren's-2009, Total Hysterectomy with BSO-2005, IBS-forever it seems, Renal Tubular Acidosis, Vitamin D deficiency-2008, Vulvar Vestibulitis-2002, Pudendal Neuralgia-2008
    I also try and manage depression/anxiety, Migraines, Too many kidney stones to count-starting in 1991 to the present
    I had my 1st urethral surgery at age 4, have had urethral syndrome from then on.
    Failed treatments: Elmiron both instilled and oral caused severe increase in liver enzymes
    Elavil and Ditropan-severe bladder retention
    Currently on pain mgmt, lidocaine gel topically also gives some relief after initial 2-4 min burning when applied.
    Prior treatment included pelvic floor therapy and TENS unit, both of which I still do as needed.

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    • #3
      I get mine tested once a year.
      Kim

      Diagnosed August 2001

      Current IC meds: Elmiron (since 2001), Levaquin (one pill after intercourse to prevent UTIs), Effexor (for depression & anxiety)

      Past IC meds: Amitriptyline (Elavil), Hydroxyzine (Vistaril), Detrol LA, Lexapro (for depression & anxiety, but also helped my IC) (They all helped, but I was able to discontinue them.)

      I've been virtually symptom free and able to eat & drink whatever I'd like for about 8 years now.

      *****************************

      “We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms -- to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way.” ~ Viktor Frankl

      “You cannot control what happens to you, but you can control your attitude toward what happens to you, and in that, you will be mastering change rather than allowing it to master you.” ~ Brian Tracy

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      • #4
        Milk thistle does work for the liver, but it does not prevent damage and if you are on any medication you should still ALWAYS have your LFTs checked.

        I would say once a year is adaquate. If it is a potentially livertoxic drug, like lipitor is, once every six months may be beneficial. If you have had a rise in liver functions that is not of a dangerous level, I would also say six months.

        Once a year is adaquate, but if you are concerned, I also sometimes have my patients tested once after the introduction of a new medication, just to gauge the body's reaction to the new med.

        For elmiron, I would also ask for a PTT, just to make sure your blood is not too thin, as Elmiron has blood thinning qualities.

        Hope this helps!
        Rachel
        @[email protected]
        "Well the Secret O'Life is enjoying the passage of time." ~James Taylor

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        • #5
          PTT has nothing to do with the liver....
          prothrobin time....its a clotting cascade that checks how quickly or readily your blood clots. The term INR is another test that is closely related. Those who are on coumadin therapy have these tests done often. Although Elmiron is not coumadin it is a good thing to monitor.

          Betsie, I am so sorry to hear about your mother. Is she a candidate for transplant? I am sorry to hear she is sick and I wish the best for you, your family, and your mother.

          Big hugs,
          Rachel
          @[email protected]
          "Well the Secret O'Life is enjoying the passage of time." ~James Taylor

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