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Anyone with liver cancer taking lactulose for ammonia levels?
My husband has 4th stage liver cancer. He was becoming confused.
Determined his ammonia level was elevated and he is taking lactulose to promote 2-3 daily bowel movements, this has help tremendously.
Was wondering if any other liver cancer patients are having problems with this?
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Good Day,
I am sorry to hear your husband has stage four liver cancer. Here is some more information on lactulose.
https://www.healthline.com/health/lactulose-for-cirrhosis
It is used to help clear the ammonia that builds up in the brain which causes hepatic encephalopathy. You can look up more information here on that to get an understanding of what is happening and why.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hepatic-encephalopathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20583828
Wishing you the best outcome possible.
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3 ReactionsUndergoing treatment with Lactulose- it is tough to sort out dose, and timing to avoid trouble with frequent loose stools. Lots of gas as well. Good luck with your husband and caretaking.
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1 ReactionI had the same issue with my liver failure. The doctors recommended Rifaximin (brand name Xifaxan. This drug is very expensive but insurance covered all but $30. This drug worked great but doesn’t eliminate lactilose. But it was night and day difference.
Good luck
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1 ReactionI take lactose along with many other medications to juggle trying to get my body to work . Ammonia levels elevate at my stage . Lactose works good . A lot of sugar but ammonia levels when elevated, showering , as soon as soap touches the skin, ammonia burns your eyes can be smelled throughout the bathroom. Ammonia levels elevated, circle the organs then travel up to brain making one flighty. The person often is the last to realize. Keep those bowels working
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1 ReactionYes my husband started 2 weeks ago… it seems to work well but he wasn’t able to drive and he passed out a few times. We think we have it regulated but he is very out if it at times and can not remember things well.. the doctors at Mayo told him just make sure you are having g bowel movements 4 times a day to get ammonia out.
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1 ReactionI take 45 ml ×4 daily plus other medications to juggle getting my body to work . Magnesium citrate up to 3 bottles per week . Golytly 8,000 units as needed , miralax 17 grams 2 times daily ... I'm at that stage..
When my ammonia levels are elevated, while showering, when soap touches my skin, the entire bathroom fills with ammonia burning the eyes... Ammonia circles around organs then goes to brain. Flighty. Hope this helps