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Does Hydrocodone For Pulled Muscle Lead To Increase In Liver Enzyme Levels?

Posted on Fri, 10 Apr 2015

Question: I have had Chronic Hep C since we discovered it about 20 years ago by accident before going into surgery. We believe it was from a blood transfusion in 1981 when I was 18 years old. I am 51 now, and I have had no symptoms and continue to get my bloodwork, for the liver enzyme tests done every year and they always come back normal. I do drink one or two glasses of wine before bed but my liver seems to be fine as I believe it is because I workout 6 days a week, have very little body fat, and eat very healthfully. Oh yeah, and probably most importantly, continue to remove any stress in my life.

I recently pulled a muscle in my bicep and have been taking one hydrocodone a day for the pain. I have put my exercise for my upper body on hold. My appointment for bloodwork is coming up in two weeks and am wondering if my enzymes may be high because of the meds? Should I wait on the test or does it really matter?

Sincerely, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hydrocodone has no effect on liver enzymes!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about this chronic hepatitis C and the pulled muscle. Hydrocodone has no major effect on liver enzymes and would be unlikely to cause a major change in your liver enzymes.

There is a great treatment with high success rate and few side effects right now for hepatitis C. I will suggest you ask your doctor about this and consider getting treated once and for all so that this can become part of the past and not an ongoing concern. Have you been vaccinated against hepatitis B?

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a great way to maintain good health. Continue with regular exercise, fruits, vegetables and avoid alcohol, smoking and medications not recommended by your doctors.

I hope this addresses your query fully. I wish you well and thanks for using our services. Feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Ivo Ditah (7 hours later)

Thank you, Doctor,

Very good advice, as well as answering my question. Unfortunately, I am not a candidate for the Hep C treatment as my genotype does not fit the prescription for good results. I have had two biopsies and both have concluded no further progression of a problem, so with that my doctor and I have decided against the new treatments until I am more of a candidate or until I have problems as a result of carrying the virus. Thank you for the good advice. Luckily, I only smoked for four years and that was 28 years ago just being a dumb kid. Staying healthy sounds good to me. Thank you so much, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (26 hours later)

Brief Answer:
keep me updated

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for the updates.. I can see you are on this with your doctor already. Keep me updated when you get the laboratory investigations done.

I wish you well.

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E