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What Are The Side Effects Of Percoset?
Question: I have been taking percoset, now 10 3.25 mg, since early September for severe low back pain and sciatica all the way down my left leg and partially down my right. Thus far, cortisone injections have not worked, perhaps back surgery is coming up. But I am concerned about the long term effects of the percoset that I absolutely must take at least 4 times a day, sometimes more. I am meaning effects on my liver, kidneys etc. Still looking for that answer. Roger
Brief Answer:
hi and welcome to hcm
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the query.
Well,perocet has several side effects if taken ad long term. Usually patients suffer from chronic opstipationbut it can be regulated by dietary habits and medicines.
Secondly,it can lead to addiction and this is serious problem so you should never increase dosage and try to decrease it gradually as much as you can. The worst effect is seen on liver where it can cause liver cirrhosis. You can prevent it by checking liver enzymes every 2 months. If there is elevation og lft,you need to switch to another analgetic. Effect on kidneys and other organs is less significant. Feel free to ask. Wish you good health.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you.
Actually, I felt I would receive a report that would be more in-depth. Had I known I would receive a one paragraph answer I would have hung on to my $18 and taken another route.
But life goes on. I will now pursue, elsewhere, the cirrhosis possibilities and how much time might be involved etc.
Sayonara.
Brief Answer:
hi
Detailed Answer:
You dont have to pursue this since you can ask several follow up queries.
cirrhosis cant be exactly predicted,but if taking perocet for more than 6 months in this dosage,you have risk of liver damage similar to taking 2 beers per day. Cirrhosis can occur in patients who are taking it for several years in much higher dosages and in those who have other risk factors( alcohol, genetics, hepatitis...).
If you dont have other risk factors then you dont have to be worried about cirrhosis,but some less serious liver damage may occur. This is why we recommend gradual decrease of dosage and frequent LFT check.Addiction, digestion problems and withdrawal symptoms are other complication of long term perocet treatment.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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