IBUPROFEN ALERT

     Many patients visiting pain specialists are taking Ibuprofen on a daily basis.  If they are infected with HepatitsC this could cause liver damage.  
    Dr. Thomas Riley of Penn State University states that currently 4 million Americans are infected with hepatitis C, and many of them take the over-the-counter drug Ibuprofen such as Motrin or Advil to relieve joint pain associated with hepatitis.  Even a low dose, could cause unsuspected liver damage.  Riley and colleagues found that three hepatitis C patients who took ibuprofen experienced a 10-fold rise in liver enzymes in their blood suggesting extensive liver damage.  "The best treatment is a low dosage of Tylenol, about 2 grams per day said Riley.  A patient can take one 500mg extra strength Tylenol every 6 hours or take two every 12 hours."  Many patient can live for up to 50 years with hepatitis, but if they take too much of the wrong medication or  consume excessive amounts of alcohol, chronic hepatitis can turn into cirrhosis of the liver said Riley.---American Journal of Gastroenterology,
September 1998.

   SPECIAL NOTE:  It is a good idea to have pain patients bring a list of current and recent medications with them.   They do not always remember all medications when the history is being taken.