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Suggest Ways To Keep Liver And Kidney Healthy While On Different Medications

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Posted on Fri, 3 Mar 2017
Question: I went to see my MD I am doing fine. But I am on 4 meds now and I eventually want to get off of them. I feel being on meds for a long time will hurt your liver and kidneys. How can I make sure my liver and kidneys will remain healthy?
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Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (29 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
stopping treatment may cause more harm...

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

the answer to your question depends on various factors. Taking drugs without an indication is potentially harmful to your health. Taking drugs when needed, is not supposed to cause more harm than benefit. Or at least most patients will benefit from them and less will be harmed.

For example diabetes can cause serious damage to your body, including the kidneys (diabetic nephropathy). A good glucose and blood pressure control is very important for your kidneys. High cholesterol is harmful to your heart, brain, kidneys and other tissues. Cutting atorvastatin may increase your risk for complications. Although atorvastatin may cause renal problems to some patients, the risk is low. The expected benefit is much more important.

Stopping esomeprazole can be detrimental to your esophagus if you have reflux. Esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus and even esophageal cancer are potential complications.

I can't comment on venlafaxine. Your psychiatrist should assess the need for further treatment.

Liver and kidney cannot be predicted in most cases. You should make sure that you drink enough fluids to avoid dehydration and avoid drugs that may harm them like NSAID for example. As a patient with diabetes, you should also watch for fatty liver disease and take appropriate measures (avoid alcohol and maintain a 'normal' body weight).

So in conclusion, although I understand your concerns, I can't back them. A doctor prescribes drugs when the anticipated benefit exceeds potential harm. Some patients will be harmed more than others but this is something you can't predict in most cases. Make sure you use the drugs according to your doctor's instructions and reassess the need to continue treatment regularly.

I hope you find my comments helpful!
Kind Regards!
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3814 Questions

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Suggest Ways To Keep Liver And Kidney Healthy While On Different Medications

Brief Answer: stopping treatment may cause more harm... Detailed Answer: Hello, the answer to your question depends on various factors. Taking drugs without an indication is potentially harmful to your health. Taking drugs when needed, is not supposed to cause more harm than benefit. Or at least most patients will benefit from them and less will be harmed. For example diabetes can cause serious damage to your body, including the kidneys (diabetic nephropathy). A good glucose and blood pressure control is very important for your kidneys. High cholesterol is harmful to your heart, brain, kidneys and other tissues. Cutting atorvastatin may increase your risk for complications. Although atorvastatin may cause renal problems to some patients, the risk is low. The expected benefit is much more important. Stopping esomeprazole can be detrimental to your esophagus if you have reflux. Esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus and even esophageal cancer are potential complications. I can't comment on venlafaxine. Your psychiatrist should assess the need for further treatment. Liver and kidney cannot be predicted in most cases. You should make sure that you drink enough fluids to avoid dehydration and avoid drugs that may harm them like NSAID for example. As a patient with diabetes, you should also watch for fatty liver disease and take appropriate measures (avoid alcohol and maintain a 'normal' body weight). So in conclusion, although I understand your concerns, I can't back them. A doctor prescribes drugs when the anticipated benefit exceeds potential harm. Some patients will be harmed more than others but this is something you can't predict in most cases. Make sure you use the drugs according to your doctor's instructions and reassess the need to continue treatment regularly. I hope you find my comments helpful! Kind Regards!