Narcotics, Hepatitis and liver failure

Dear Ask The Doctor: I know someone who has been addicted to pain killers for years, and has been abusing norco for awhile now. He has Heppatitus C and went into the hospital recently for a staff infection and liver failure. They said he couldnt take the norco and that he needs a liver transplant after he treats the staff infection with antibiotics. He's been home for about 5 days now and has started taking norco again, trying to be secretive about it. His skin is yellow and he hasnt had an appetite. What does the norco do to his liver if it isn't working?

Dear Elisabeth: Narcotic medications (opiods) affect the liver and lead to liver damage themselves if taken in high doses or over a prolonged period of time.Since your friend has liver damage already due to hepatitits C further ingestion of opiods woud only lead to worsening of his condition and speeding up the process of liver failure.