Stephan Schwartz wrote:
>
> Hello Sue:
> You wrote -
> >>> Sue Maltais <[log in to unmask]> 07/29/97 09:01am
> >>>I have a question...my Dad's been getting blood in his
> urine. The urologist said all tests came back fine. He read
> in one of his PD books that this can be a side effect of the
> levadopa. Anyone else heard of this?<<<
>
> Absorbed levodopa is removed from the blood through the
> action of the kidneys. The dopamine is converted to a variety
> of substances including melanins: colored bits ranging in
> color from orange to dark red. Occasionally the urine shows
> as dark red, mistaking it for blood. This is not caused by
> bleeding into the urinary tract. Other than dark urine [and
> incontinence], the literature from Merck & Co. does not
> indicate side effects such as blood in the urine.
> Blood in the urine, without pain, could indicate prostate or
> kidney problems, and should raise a concern about bladder
> tumors. Blood, with pain, could indicate a kidney stone.
> Perhaps your father's doctor would give you the citation to
> "his PD books" so you can double-check his advice.
> Stephan 53/7
Dear Sue: I have never heard of blood in urin being caused by any PD
meds. Has it definitely been confirmed as blood? If so I'll do some
more research to try to find out if the meds could be a cause.
Jerry Starr, RPh
