Liver donors & Tylenol?

[jennybebopper]

I know this is a kidney-dominated forum but I know there are some liver donors hiding out there too...

Have your teams recommended any acetaminophen (Tylenol) use after donation?  I'm just at the beginning of research but curious what I could take over-the-counter both short- and long-term post-operatively?

[sherri]

Hi Jenny,

Always good to hear from all donors. Liver donors are rare and I'm sure other liver donors appreciate your responses.

In terms of tylenol. Kidney donors are instructed not to used nsaids (non steroidal anti inflammatories) like ibuprofen, aleve, aspirin because these are broken down and excreted through the kidneys. We don't want to over tax the one kidney. Tylenol is broken down in the liver which is why it is recommended as a pain reliever for kidney donors, patients with decreased kidney function, some of the elderly whose kidney function may be impaired. Best to check with your doctors to see what type of pain relievers are the safest for you. Your liver should regenerate over time and maybe after a certain amount of time it would be safe for you to resume taking other medications.

BTW, are you aware of liver donor support groups or organizations (like the National Kidney Foundation for kidney patients)? Another poster on here, Pam, was asking. Maybe you two can talk. She posted not long ago so you can look back a couple of pages.

Good luck. Hope you are feeling well.

Sherri

[Michael]

Great question. Experience on this board indicates that advice regarding use of prescription and OTC medications after donation of a kidney is sketchy at best, so I worry it might be nonexistent for living liver donors. I hope the liver donors who do visit our site will share their experiences.

In the meantime, here's a web site listing drugs that can adversely affect the liver: http://www.hepcnet.net/drugsandliverdamage.html
It's interesting to see acetaminophen (Tylenol) listed at the very beginning of the list.

Please share whatever you find in your research. Thanks!

[Pam]

 I am a liver donor and just had my three month follow up. The question of Tylenol came up during my visit. I take it as needed which is not every day. My Dr. said that is fine to take. Dosage I take is 1000mg a day as needed. (usually at night if needed)

Pam

[joshua_david]

I donated part of my liver over 5 years ago and I don't remember what they suggested but I have taken tylenol when needed and I have never had any issues with my liver.

[jennybebopper]

Thanks for the responses everyone!