Concerned

[Phoenix]

H is on anti epileptic drugs but today I have noticed the whites in his eyes are yellow.
I am not sure if it is a side effect of the drugs or something else. He is drinking a lot of water and he has probiotics everyday.
My question is do you have any ideas what else it could be? Or how I can help him?

[Kali]

How yellow? Yellow eyes is a sign of jaundice so therefore liver problems. Is he lethargic? Anything else?

[Hailstorm]

I was going to say the same as Kali. Could be his liver is having trouble processing the new drugs?

[Phoenix]

Well the drugs aren't new and haven't been altered since May, I know that yellow eyes indicates liver but because he has been on the drugs for so long it is a bit concerning.
He isn't lethargic or any different to his everyday self. No more constipation either Kali. Nothing is jumping out at me that why I ask.

[Hailstorm]

Oh ok my apologies I didn't realise he was on them for so long, maybe it is a build up? I'm not to sure perhaps a visit to the gp for a check up?

[Phoenix]

No you are fine Kyls, he has been on them since March last yr. It could be a build up. I will get it checked out. I was thinking it might be something else that is bothering his body but I kinda doubt it too. Gah which shoulder angel do I listen too :laugh

[Hailstorm]

The one with the loudest voice ;)

[Phoenix]

Maybe he hasn't had enough water.

[Kali]

I would be giving him heaps of water tomorrow and watching the eye colour. If nothing changes, I would be making an appointment with a GP first thing on Monday.
How yellow are they? Is his skin a bit yellow too?

[Phoenix]

Nope nothing on his skin. They are just that off milky yellow at the moment. I will be doing that. Thanks.

[jodiemiller]

If you still have the instructions/disclaimer page that comes with the drugs, I'd be pulling that out to have a good read on the side-effects and contra-indications of his meds. Definitely sounds liver-related to me, and that little piece of paper will likely have the information about how seriously you need to take it.

Or tell us the active constituents listed on the box and we'll google it for you.

[Phoenix]

His eyes are back to normal today, I am buying a new bottle tomorrow so will keep the box and let you know.

It is Dilantin Suspension or Phenytoin. It is a pretty nasty drug with its side effects and his doctors have said that if he is going to continue on it they will change the type he is on but we don't see them until March, and then if they look at weaning him it will be ages before he is off it.

[soulmama]

I found this precaution:

PRECAUTIONS
General: The liver is the chief site of biotransformation of phenytoin; patients with impaired liver function,
elderly patients, or those who are gravely ill may show early signs of toxicity.From here (http://www.pfizer.com/files/products/uspi_dilantin125.pdf).

I would urgently suggest contacting the prescribing doctor by phone first thing in the morning to find if you should continue using the meds or not. :heart

[Phoenix]

Thanks. Grrr, I hate this stupid drug. I have been asking for ages to change it.

[Kali]

I agree!

[Phoenix]

Took him to get it checked and they don't feel that it is jaundice and if it is, it isn't bad enough to do any damage.

[Nyree]

Did they take any blood to check?

[Phoenix]

No, they didn't. I will take him to the GP for a check up.

[Merlion]

Hope everyhting goes well. As Jess is on anti-epilepsy drugs too and since she hasn't had a seizure in 1 1/2 years but her brain waves are still abnormal she still on the same drugs since she started them when she was 2 1/2.... She's never had any side effects with her particular medication (Epilim) but i always keep a close look out on it though

[Phoenix]

He has had a blood test now.
The GP didn't feel that H had a problem but he said, whats to lose. I am glad he listens to me. He is the type of doctor who relies on antibiotics but he respects my decision to try other methods first. I actually enjoy going to him, he understands my concerns and finds a way to make us both happy, that is saying a lot I think.

[Kali]

Good news! I have a very similar doctor. I found a very alternative medicine type GP, very natural, but he wouldn't discuss anything with me so I ditched him after two consultations and went back to the mainstream GP who pushes for stuff that I am against but listens to my concerns and has an open, honest discussion with me about the pros and cons.