Should you take liver tonics when you have hepatitis C?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor I Vo Thi Thuy Trang - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Da Nang International General Hospital

With the effect of enhancing liver function, protecting parenchyma, liver tonic is being trusted by many people. However, people with hepatitis C need to be careful when using the drug. Because liver tonics can lower liver enzymes, which is dangerous to health.

1. Liver tonic

Liver tonic is used when there is impaired liver function or abnormally elevated ALT liver enzymes. When using the drug in the correct dosage as prescribed by the doctor, the drug will support when the liver is damaged or has liver dysfunction. The patient will be asked to stop taking the drug when the liver returns to normal.
Currently, liver tonics are divided into 2 types:
Type 1 includes: cianidanol, essential, flumeciol, methionine... is a drug belonging to the group of synthetic compounds. herbs include: biphenyl dimethyl dicarboxylate, silymarin... In which, methionine is a drug belonging to the group of synthetic compounds best known with the function of supporting the liver. Menthionine has many effects such as:
Essential amino acid containing sulfur in menthionine helps to produce other sulfur-containing antioxidants such as cysteine, taurine

Helps the liver to produce glutathione used to neutralize toxins (such as when intoxicated by taking high doses of paracetamol) Helps in fat metabolism, prevents fat accumulation in the liver, is considered a lipophilic substance An essential factor To produce carnitin, a natural nutrient found in muscle tissue, to provide energy for working muscles including the heart muscle, to support the movement of the heart and circulatory system when it is normal as well as when it needs to be lifted. High intensity Essential amino acids containing sulfur help form collagen to reduce allergies (such as allergic rhinitis), help the development of skin and nail connective tissue... However, the abuse of methionine a Excessive use can lead to many health problems, especially for hepatitis C patients.

2. Should hepatitis C patients take liver supplements?

"Should I take a liver tonic if I have hepatitis C?". The answer is yes, but you should not buy and take liver tonics on your own, but need a doctor's appointment.
Treatment of hepatitis C, patients need to strictly follow the doctor's treatment method, and at the same time make healthy lifestyle changes such as: exercise, follow a scientific diet, stay away from alcohol, tobacco... Also you can use liver tonic, but must follow the doctor's prescription. If indiscriminate use of liver tonics can increase the metabolic burden on the liver, worsen the symptoms of hepatitis C.
Here are some notes when using liver tonics for patients Hepatitis C:

Only use liver tonic when the disease is in a stable or relatively stable state. It is necessary to completely quit smoking and alcohol when using the drug to increase the effectiveness of using the drug. When using methionine, if you experience symptoms such as nausea, somnolence, acidosis, and hypernatremia, you should immediately stop taking the drug and go to the hospital for examination. People with weak liver function even without hepatitis can use the drug but need to consult a doctor. Arbitrary use of drugs that can lower liver enzymes will be harmful to health. Patients with liver failure are contraindicated to use methionine. Because methionine can reduce the metabolic function of the liver, reduce the liver - intestinal folic acid cycle. At the same time, making liver damage worse, leading to progressive liver encephalopathy. Abuse of the drug for a long time can lead to megaloblastic anemia, folic acid deficiency - very dangerous blood in people with cerebral or peripheral artery occlusion often have high blood homocysteine ​​levels. High dose or long-term use of methionine will increase blood homocysteine, increase homocysteine ​​​​inuria, cause the appearance or aggravate atherosclerotic disease, thromboembolism, mental retardation, osteoporosis. Thus, mistakes when using methionine can lead to serious health consequences, especially for patients with hepatitis C. Therefore, when using methionine, it is necessary to strictly follow the indications, time and new effective dosage and avoid drug-induced complications...
Should be examined periodically 3-6 months or when there are signs such as liver pain, weight loss, fatigue, jaundice, fever. Vinmec has a system of high-class ultrasound, CT, and MRI machines with a team of qualified doctors, thorough consultation and 5-star service.
Currently, Vinmec International General Hospital has Hepatobiliary Screening packages, which help detect Hepatitis Virus at an early stage even when there are no symptoms. In addition, the comprehensive hepatobiliary screening package helps customers:
Evaluate the liver's ability to work through liver enzyme tests; Evaluation of bile function; vascular nutrition; Early screening for liver cancer; Perform tests such as Total blood cell analysis, blood clotting ability, screening for hepatitis B, C Assessment of liver and biliary status through ultrasound images and diseases that are at risk of affecting liver disease / liver disease. more severe liver disease In-depth analysis of parameters to evaluate hepatobiliary function through laboratory and subclinical tests; the risk of affecting the liver and early screening for hepatobiliary cancer

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