In the article, we consider the instructions for use, price and reviews for the Hepa-Merz preparation.
It is a German-made drug that promotes the rapid elimination of toxic substances. The action of the drug is aimed at normalizing the level of ammonia in the human body, an increase in which is characteristic of liver diseases. Hepa-Merz is part of the group of hepatoprotective drugs.
Structure
According to the instructions, “Hepa-Merz” is made in the form of a sachet with granules intended for the preparation of a solution and concentrate. The latter is also used for infusion solution. One sachet contains granules of orange and white color, from which a solution for oral administration is prepared.
The main component of the drug is L-ornithine L-aspartate. In addition, the composition of the drug is supplemented by the following auxiliary components: additives E330, E952 and E110, povidone, saccharin, lemon and orange fragrance, levulose. In the concentrate for the preparation of the infusion solution, an additional component is water for injection.
Instructions for Hepa-Merz powder are in each pack.
The properties
The effectiveness of the drug is ensured by participating in the Krebs-Hanseleit cycle, which leads to the formation of urea from nitrogen-containing substances in the body. Hepa-Merz normalizes liver cell enzymes, namely carbamoylphosphate synthetase and ornithinecarbamoyl transferase.
In accordance with the instructions, “Hepa-Merz” provokes the production of insulin and growth hormone, and also improves protein metabolism in diseases requiring intravenous nutrition. Taking the drug relieves pain, eliminates dyspeptic symptoms and asthenia, and also helps to normalize the body weight of patients suffering from steatohepatitis or steatosis.
L-ornithine L-aspartate when it enters the body quickly breaks down into its components and begins to exert a therapeutic effect after 15-25 minutes, while having a short half-life. The drug is excreted in the urine.
Indications for admission
As the instructions to the Hepa-Merz inform us, the granular form and concentrate have a number of general indications for use:
- Pathologies of the liver in acute or chronic form, accompanied by the active release of ammonium ions.
- Encephalopathy of the liver, proceeding in a latent or severe form, including a complication in the form of impaired consciousness.
In the form of granules for oral administration, “Hepa-Merz” is prescribed for the treatment of steatohepatitis and steatosis that have arisen under the influence of various factors.
The concentrate is also used in combination with drugs intended for parenteral nutrition in patients with established protein deficiency.
"Hepa-Merz" is forbidden to appoint to patients whose age is younger than 18 years, as there is no data on the safety of the drug in this age group.
With caution, the drug is prescribed to women during the period of bearing a child. During lactation, the drug is completely prohibited for administration and infusion.
As a rule, Hepa-Merz is not prescribed for preventive purposes, but in exceptional cases it can be prescribed to prevent:
- Deposition of fat in the liver tissue.
- Impaired liver function with planned overeating.
- Pathological processes in the liver against the background of the use of alcoholic beverages.
Even for preventive purposes, a doctor’s consultation is required to take the drug.
Instructions for "Hepa-Merz"
The medication can be used for intramuscular and intravenous administration, as well as taken orally.
For oral administration, the contents of a sachet with a granular preparation is dissolved in a glass of clean water. It is considered optimal to take the drug after a meal. Hepa-Merz is taken three times a day, while the dosage of the drug should not exceed 6 grams per day.
With the introduction of the drug intramuscularly or intravenously, the dosage can be 2-6 grams, diluted in 10 ml of physiological saline. Injections should be done in the morning and evening, while it is advisable to observe a 12-hour break. It is not recommended to dilute the solution for injection with glucose, since such a combination can adversely affect the body's production of insulin.
In especially severe cases, the drug is administered intravenously. The dosage can be 4-8 ampoules, depending on the doctor's prescription. The required amount of Hepa-Merz is diluted in 500 ml of physiological saline. The introduction is carried out at a rate of 40 drops per minute.
The dosage and form of the drug should be selected by the doctor individually, taking into account the patient's condition and the severity of the disease. An important point in the Hepa-Merz therapy is the rate of manifestation of positive dynamics.
The drug is stored at a temperature not exceeding 25 degrees for 5 years from the date of manufacture. It is not recommended to store prepared solutions; they should be used immediately after dilution. This is stated in the instructions for use. The price of "Hepa Merza" is of interest to many.
Contraindications
The medication can not be used against the background of kidney failure, as well as with an identified allergic reaction to the components that make up the drug. In addition, the restrictions for the appointment are:
- Age is under 18 years.
- The period of breastfeeding.
- Pregnancy.
Adverse reactions
According to the instructions for use, Hepa-Merz powder is well tolerated by patients and does not lead to the appearance of undesirable reactions. Quite rarely, against the background of using the drug, such digestive disorders as nausea, diarrhea, flatulence, soreness in the abdomen, etc. can be observed. In addition, pain in the limbs and joints may appear.
The appearance of adverse reactions may indicate that the dosage of the drug was greatly exceeded. To eliminate signs of an overdose, you need to refuse to take the drug, rinse your stomach and seek medical help. As a rule, symptomatic treatment is prescribed. Before visiting a doctor, it is allowed to take enterosorbents.
This is confirmed by the instructions to the "Hepa-Merz." The price of the drug will be indicated below.
Drug interaction
The tool can not be combined with a number of drugs and substances, including:
- Vitamin K.
- Antibiotics from the penicillin group.
- Thiopental sodium.
- Diazepam.
- Meprobamate.
- Rifampicin.
- Ethionamide.
- Vincamine.
During a consultation with the attending physician, it is necessary to list all the drugs that are taken by the patient. This will help to avoid unpleasant consequences for the body.
Analogs
The following drugs are considered a full-fledged replacement for Hepa-Merts:
- "Munchy". Available in the form of a solution for injection. Contains a similar active ingredient as Hepa-Merz. Orniliv solution is used only for intravenous administration of 4 ampoules per day, divided into two. The contents of the ampoules are dissolved in 500 ml of physiological saline and injected dropwise. The maximum daily dosage of the drug is 6 ampoules. The drug is administered at one ampoule per hour.
- Hepatox. It is also a solution for intravenous administration. The method of application is similar to the above drug, however, the maximum dosage in this case is 4 ampoules.
- "Larnamine." It is made in the form of a sachet as “Hepa-Merz”. Each sachet contains 3 grams of active ingredient. The contents of the sachet are dissolved in a glass of water and taken three times a day after or with meals for 1-2 sachets.
- In addition, Heptor, Ornicketil, Ornithine and Ornilatex possess similar release forms and chemical properties. We will not consider in detail instructions for use with Hepa-Merts analogues.
In addition to the similar in composition and form of release, a number of hepatoprotectors that have a different content are also distinguished:
- Essential.
- Gepabene.
- "Phosphonial".
- "Galstena."
- "Carsil."
- Ovesol.
- Glutargin.
The listed drugs target the liver without affecting the brain.
Cost
In the instructions for use, the price of "Hepa-Merza" is not indicated.
He is a very expensive drug. The cost of 30 sachets reaches 700 rubles, while a package of 10 ampoules in the maximum concentration of the active substance can exceed 2500 rubles.
Reviews
Most patients who have been prescribed "Hepa-Merz" respond positively to the effect of the drug. The only drawback that all patients complain without exception is the unreasonably high cost of the drug. Of course, manufacturers justify the high cost of the “Hepa-Mertsa" by its unconditional effectiveness and pronounced therapeutic effect.
Many patients say that thanks to Hepa-Merz they managed to overcome various liver pathologies, reduce the intensity of symptoms of dyspepsia and normalize liver enzyme levels according to a blood chemistry study.
Often, patients notice an improvement in overall health and well-being in the middle of a treatment course. Many already after a few days of taking "Hepa-Merz" passed pain in the side and discomfort in the abdomen.
In pharmacies, you can find quite a few drugs that are part of the hepatoprotectors. The mechanisms of action may vary, but they all have identical properties. Hepa-Merz, unlike many other drugs of this level, is dispensed in pharmacies without a prescription from a doctor. Despite the high cost, the drug is popular among patients and doctors.
Of course, you can opt for a cheaper analogue, but this does not guarantee the absence of adverse reactions and possible complications. Maximum responsibility should be shown in the treatment of the liver in order to avoid irreparable consequences for the body. Self-medication should also be strictly prohibited, as well as the absence of any therapeutic measures.
We reviewed the Hepa-Merz preparation, price, and reviews.