What does acetaminophen cause when given to CF patients?

Question

I have cystic fybrosis and my dad has told me that acetaminophen is bad for my health in the long term use. I'd really appreciate it if you'd let me know, it's much needed information. I have serached all over the net and not found one answer.

Answer 1

Anti-inflammatory agents help reduce the destruction of lung tissue caused by the persistent infections and chronic inflammatory response associated with CF. Available therapies include corticosteroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), cytokine inhibitors, antiproteases, and antioxidants.

Steroids may be initially given orally for varying periods of time, depending upon the patient's age and pulmonary response. Systemic steroid use in children has been associated with delayed growth. Long-term use is associated with an increased risk of diabetes and cataracts. They may also be administered parenterally during acute exacerbations. Taken regularly, oral NSAIDs have been shown to slow the decline of pulmonary function in younger patients with mild disease.


Complications resulting from high-dose NSAID treatment include stomach irritation, clotting abnormalities, and renal toxicity, particularly when these drugs are combined with nephrotoxic antibiotics. Cytokine inhibitors, antiproteases, and antioxidants are all still under investigation for their possible anti-inflammatory benefits in CF patients

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID)

High doses, non steroidal anti-inflammatory agents such as Ibuprofen can inhibit neutrophil migration and adherence, and inhibit the release of lysosomal enzymes. In rat studies Ibuprofen has been demonstrated to significantly reduce lung inflammation. Getting the dose right is likely to be important as there is some evidence to suggest that the use of low drug concentrations could increase the influx of neutrophils into the lungs


The major disadvantage of the NSAID relates to their narrow treatment window and high side effect profile. Close monitoring of plasma levels is mandatory to ensure both a potential therapeutic effect and to prevent toxicity. Acetaminophen or Tylenol is considered a NSAID..NSAID can cause hepatotoxicity and renal toxicity, gastrointestinal bleeding (GI) gastrci erosion; and has been linked to Hypertension and even Cancer.


Because you need this drug to reduce the inflammation and for pain relief; it's a good idea to take it with food and a glass of water to prevent the side effects.


Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for cystic fibrosis

Examples
ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)

How It Works

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce inflammation and pain. Always take these medicines exactly as directed.

Why It Is Used

People who have cystic fibrosis often have continued lung inflammation from frequent infections. This inflammation can lead to lung damage that makes it harder to fight infection. NSAIDs help reduce inflammation in some people who have cystic fibrosis.

Reasons not to take NSAIDs
Do not take NSAIDs if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any type of pain medicine.

If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breast-feeding, talk to your doctor before you use NSAIDs. It is especially important to avoid using NSAIDs during the last 3 months of pregnancy unless your doctor tells you to do so. They can cause problems with the baby or the delivery.

Talk to your doctor before taking NSAIDs if you have:

Ulcers or a history of stomach or intestinal bleeding.
Stomach pain, upset stomach, or heartburn that lasts or comes back.
Anemia.
Bleeding problems.
A habit of drinking more than 3 alcoholic drinks a day. This increases your risk of stomach bleeding.
High blood pressure.
Kidney, liver, or heart disease.
Any serious health condition.
Talk to your doctor before using NSAIDs if you take:

Talk to your doctor before using NSAIDs if you take:

Blood thinners (anticoagulants).
Lithium.
Diuretics (water pills).
Medicine for arthritis or diabetes.
Any other drugs.




Ibuprofen is the only NSAID that has been studied as a treatment for people with cystic fibrosis. In some children, ibuprofen can significantly slow the progression of lung disease, improve breathing, and help maintain body weight.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of NSAIDs are stomach upset, heartburn, and nausea. To help prevent these side effects, take NSAIDs with food and a glass of water.
NSAIDs can cause a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms may include hives, swelling of the face, wheezing, and shock. If you have any of these symptoms, call 911 or other emergency services immediately.
Long-term use of NSAIDs may cause ulcers and high blood pressure. Talk to your doctor about how long you should take NSAIDs.

In very rare instances, ibuprofen has caused meningitis. No one has died of this complication, but hospitalization is required to treat it. People who have an autoimmune disease, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, may be more at risk for developing meningitis

I found a lot of links on this subject matter:

Cystic fibrosis Medical Information
Cystic fibrosis Information from Drugs.com ... Acetaminophen. Prevacid. Equetro. Tindamax. Lithium. Top 200 by Sales. Join Drugs.com ...www.drugs.com/enc/cystic-fibrosis.html -


Cystic Fibrosis: Therapeutic Options For Co-management (PDF)
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a cruel and deadly disease ... prevention of acetaminophen-induced hepato- toxicity by N-acetyl-L-cysteine in vivo: Studies ...www.thorne.com/media/cysticfibrosis.pdf - 95k - View as html -


Cystic Fibrosis | A Support Community for those dealing with Cystic ...
Welcome to the community for people concerned with cystic fibrosis. ... painkillers (aspirin, paracetamol (acetaminophen) or similar), inhaling steam, ...wiki.cysticfibrosis.com/index.php?title=Sinusitis -


Find in a Library: Oski's pediatrics : principles & practice
... management -- Salicylism -- Acetaminophen overdose -- Plant poisoning ... Ciliary dyskinesia -- Cystic fibrosis -- Pulmonary hemosiderosis -- Obstructive ...worldcatlibraries.org/wcpa/ow/27250973aaff7deea19afeb4da09e526.html -


UAB Center for Nursing Research: Pain & Cystic Fibrosis Pharmacologic ...
Aspirin and ACETAMINOPHEN (Tylenol) are two common over-the-counter pain relievers. ... In many cases, aspirin or acetaminophen is all that you need to ...www.cfcenter.uab.edu/paincf6/pharm.html


Aceteminophine w/Codine Sulfate and Codeine Phosphate. Acetylcysteine. Cystic Fibrosis DX only ... Hydrochloride/Acetaminophen. Propulsid. Prostaphlin ...www.dhss.mo.gov/shcn/


Asthma, COPD Linked to Frequent Acetaminophen Use
... found that frequent use of acetaminophen increases the risks for asthma, chronic ... Smoking Asthma COPD Emphysema Cystic Fibrosis Lung Cancer Pneumonia Mesothelioma ...lungdiseases.about.com/b/a/166783.htm -


Asthma, COPD Linked to Frequent Acetaminophen Use
... Smoking Asthma COPD Emphysema Cystic Fibrosis Lung Cancer Pneumonia Mesothelioma ... is Empyema Thoracis?What is Cystic Fibrosis?Asthma Screening Quiz - Does Your ...lungdiseases.about.com/b/a/166783.htm?terms=copd+medications -


Current Research/Innovations, Cystic Fibrosis
... Lung Disease and Pulmonary Fibrosis / AVONEX® Undergoing Multi ... symptoms are often relieved with acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol®) and often lessen ...cpmcnet.columbia.edu/dept/cs/pat/research/thoracic_avonex.html -

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

You have some very thorough answers above, but let me add a simple one.

Acetaminophen is detoxified in the liver, as are many other CF meds, so it can lead to liver damage with chronic use.

Everyone thinks of Tylenol as the "safe" alternative to aspirin, but acetaminophen also WILL delay clotting time with chronic use. If you have hemoptysis, this can become quite a risk.

Answer 4

acetaminophen is hard on your stomach and can cause ulcers. This really is a question for your doctor because it could be a reaction to another medication that your on. Next time your in the doctors office, even if it is with your dad just flat out ask the doctor.

Answer 5

Because those people are terminally ill and honestly aren't going to live much longer so it helps them with their nausea from chemo. And weed really only gives you LUNG cancer if you smoke at least a joint a day for 20 years. It has never been proven to cause any other kind of cancer, or really anything for that matter.

Answer 6

Here is an abstract from a research article by Robert Raffa, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Temple University School of Pharmacy, 3307 N. Broad Street, Suite 540, Philadelphia, PA 19140-5101, US. As you can see, when acetaminophen is used at the recommended dosage, in tandom with Tramadol, side effects were minimal, and pain management successful. I have pulmonary fibrosis and have been using Paracetamol coupled with Tramadol to control my pain and have had no trouble at all.

I suggest you have your father go with you to your doctor next time and ask your physician about the use of Paracetamol and Tramadol. You need to treat your pain and inflammation and this is one of the best methods available. Good luck and I hope this helps a little.

"Abstract - Persistent pain represents a major quality-of-life burden for patients and a challenge for their physician. Chronic pain often arises from multiple tissue sources and involves multiple chemical mediators and pain transmission pathways. Successful long-term pain management requires analgesic regimens that can treat pains of multiple origin and type. Safety and tolerability are also a high priority when prescribing chronic therapy. Recent publications and regulatory developments affecting anti-inflammatory drugs have limited the options available for the management of chronic pain. Major concerns in long-term use of anti-inflammatory drugs include renal toxicity, gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding and cardiovascular events, which can be of particular concern for elderly patients. Opioid agents avoid the end-organ toxicity seen with anti-inflammatory drugs, but their use may be limited, especially in the long term, by side effects such as constipation or sedation and by concerns about the potential for physical or psychological dependence. Paracetamol (acetaminophen) has a favourable safety and tolerability profile, although exceeding the recommended dose (up to 4 g/day) carries a risk of liver damage. It exerts simultaneous anti-nociception at both spinal and supra-spinal sites, and has shown self-synergy between these two routes of activity. Tramadol, an atypical weak opioid with a multi-modal mechanism of action, inhibits re-uptake of multiple neurotransmitters and has an improved safety and tolerability profile compared with traditional opioids. Rational combinations of analgesic drugs offer a viable approach to managing persistent pain that involves multiple sites or pathways. The combination of paracetamol plus tramadol brings together two well-known analgesics that have different but complementary mechanisms of analgesic action. Laboratory studies have demonstrated that these agents interact to produce synergistic analgesia with a desirable safety/efficacy profile."

Answer 7

acetaminophen in long term use isn't a good idea for anyone. It causes liver damage

Answer 8

2

Answer 9

I'm not sure what to say

Answer 10

Thank you all for your answers and opinions!

Answer 11

Not really sure