Dipika Kakar, known for her role in Sasural Simar Ka, underwent a tumor-removal surgery for her stage 2 liver cancer in June. Taking to her YouTube channel, she documented her experience of getting chemotherapy, the operation, targeted therapy, and the side effects she sustained as a result of the treatment. Now, in her latest vlog, the actor shared that she caught a viral infection from her son Ruhaan, and because of her compromised immunity, the viral infection got worse.
“Ruhan se infection mujhe lag gaya. Aur mere case mein infection thoda zyada severe ho gaya kyunki main treatment pe hoon, aur uss time pe aapki body ki immunity thodi low hoti hai. Doctor ne humein pehle hi bataya hua tha ki kisi bhi tarah ka viral ho ya fever ho toh sabse pehle mujhe call karna. Unko jaise hi call kiya unhone antibiotics start ki. Bohot heavy dose ki. Aur anti-allergic bhi start ki hai, toh uss wajah se woh bohot heavy padh raha hai,” she said. (I caught an infection from Ruhaan, and in my case, the infection got worse because I am on treatment. At this point, the body’s immunity is low. The doctor had previously told me that whenever I catch a viral infection or a fever, I should call him first. When I did, he put me on antibiotics at a very heavy dosage. I also started taking anti-allergy pills. The combination is turning out to be very heavy for my body to take)
What should such patients keep in mind?
In post-hepatectomy patients recovering from stage II hepatocellular carcinoma (the most common type of liver cancer), as in the case of Dipika Kakar, the administration of antibiotics requires meticulous clinical judgment, says Dr Rajesh Shinde, Consultant in Gastrointestinal (GI), Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic (HPB), and Thoracic Oncology and Robotic Surgery, Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai.
What are the health risks involved?
Adding that the liver is the principal site of drug metabolism, Dr Shinde said that following the surgery, its functional reserve is temporarily kept on hold till healing is complete.
“Many antibiotic classes, particularly macrolides, tetracyclines, and certain beta-lactams, undergo hepatic metabolism and clearance. In such cases, inadequate dose adjustments or choosing the wrong drug can lead to hepatotoxicity or liver poisoning, altered pharmacokinetics, aka the body’s reaction to the medicine, and even systemic drug accumulation in the body,” he added.
According to him, if the antibiotic dosage is too high, the patient may run a risk of developing symptoms such as “right upper quadrant discomfort, cholestatic jaundice, pruritus, dark urine, or disproportionate fatigue.”
In severe cases, increased blood clotting or brain dysfunctions might occur, he continued. “Gastrointestinal disturbances like diarrhea or dysbiosis are also concerning, as they may impair nutritional absorption and immunity—both crucial for repair and recovery. As a final nail in the coffin, broad-spectrum antibiotics can increase the body’s susceptibility to infections such as Clostridioides difficile, which can be particularly harmful to a post-surgical oncology patient,” he explained.
What should you keep in mind?
To ensure safety, Dr Shinde recommended being mindful of the antibiotics chosen to be administered. Those with minimal risks of liver poisoning (hepatotoxic potential) should be picked, and their dosage, as per weight and function, must be critically adjusted. Make sure you are carefully monitoring your liver function tests, such as ALT, AST, ALP, and bilirubin.
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Drink plenty of fluids, prioritise a balanced diet rich in protein, and avoid self-medication at all costs.
Patients and caregivers must be counseled to recognize early warning signs, such as jaundice, worsening abdominal pain, or unexplained bleeding, and seek immediate evaluation. With vigilant monitoring and judicious drug selection, antibiotics can be administered safely without compromising hepatic recovery or oncologic outcomes.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.