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What Do My Lab Test Reports Indicate?
Question: I am being tested by my Nephrologist through lab work with the idea I might have a milder case of drug-induced lupus affecting my kidneys. When I go for my next appointment, I will also ask him what I'm asking you: A doctor friend suggested l lay off my Flexeril prescribed for osteoarthritis. Is there a possible connection between them? I am also prescribed Lisinipril, for hypertension, Trazodone for insomnia, Pramipexole for restless legs, Famotidine for severe reflux with a hiatal hernia, Tramadol/acetametaphen for pain (not helping).
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
I carefully passed through your question and reviewed your uploaded test reports and would explain that Flexeril is not related to any similar adverse effects, based on data based evidence.
From the other hand it has no effect on the kidney function. So, there is no need to stop taking it as it does not affect your actual clinical situation. It is a muscle relaxant. So, it is up to you to decide to stop or take it further.
I would recommend discussing with your doctor on the possibility of stopping famotidine and lisinopril, as they may compromise your renal function.
Famotidine is known for similar allergic reactions (also called hypersensitivity reactions).
That is why, I would recommend switching to a PPI (omeprazole, lansoprazole, etc.).
Another medication to consider is pramipexole, which should be used with caution in patients with impaired renal function.
I recommend discussing with your doctor on the above issues.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
I carefully passed through your question and reviewed your uploaded test reports and would explain that Flexeril is not related to any similar adverse effects, based on data based evidence.
From the other hand it has no effect on the kidney function. So, there is no need to stop taking it as it does not affect your actual clinical situation. It is a muscle relaxant. So, it is up to you to decide to stop or take it further.
I would recommend discussing with your doctor on the possibility of stopping famotidine and lisinopril, as they may compromise your renal function.
Famotidine is known for similar allergic reactions (also called hypersensitivity reactions).
That is why, I would recommend switching to a PPI (omeprazole, lansoprazole, etc.).
Another medication to consider is pramipexole, which should be used with caution in patients with impaired renal function.
I recommend discussing with your doctor on the above issues.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
You saw the lab results. Is it likely that the related condition (at 90%) is drug-induced lupus? If it is more a mild case than a severe case of lupus, as some of the lab results might indicate, what affect - good or bad - does that mean for me (knowing lupus differs among sufferers)? For instance...I am already experiencing a lot of pain. So a milder case might be...flare-ups occuring less often, or last a shorter time frame, or fewer organs might be affected, or... what?
Thanks, Dr. Lliri
Thanks, Dr. Lliri
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Yes, the presence of anti-Smith antibodies is an indicator of Lupus. We can not determine if it is drug-induced, as these are suppositions. But you have no presence of any other auto antibodies.
As it is an auto-immune disorder, it can affect your joints, skin and kidneys if not treated.
For this reason, it is important consulting with a rheumatologist and discuss the best treatment options (which mainly consist of steroids or immunosupressive therapy). These drugs are used to slow the progression or cause remission of the disorder and inflammation.
Another important issue is stopping the triggering factor (which is drug induced lupus is a certain type of drug).
That is why, I would recommend you to stop taking famotidine and switch to a PPI instead.
The degree of organ damage depends on your body response (autoimmunity) and the proper treatment management.
It is certainly a milder form compared to genetic forms of lupus, but we can not make any certain predictions for the prognosis.
Hope to have been helpful to you!
Best wishes,
Dr. Iliri
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Yes, the presence of anti-Smith antibodies is an indicator of Lupus. We can not determine if it is drug-induced, as these are suppositions. But you have no presence of any other auto antibodies.
As it is an auto-immune disorder, it can affect your joints, skin and kidneys if not treated.
For this reason, it is important consulting with a rheumatologist and discuss the best treatment options (which mainly consist of steroids or immunosupressive therapy). These drugs are used to slow the progression or cause remission of the disorder and inflammation.
Another important issue is stopping the triggering factor (which is drug induced lupus is a certain type of drug).
That is why, I would recommend you to stop taking famotidine and switch to a PPI instead.
The degree of organ damage depends on your body response (autoimmunity) and the proper treatment management.
It is certainly a milder form compared to genetic forms of lupus, but we can not make any certain predictions for the prognosis.
Hope to have been helpful to you!
Best wishes,
Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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