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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Elevated liver enzymes due to cholesterol lowering medication
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
Elevated liver enzymes due to cholesterol lowering medication
by Tigerjoe, Dec 28, 2004 12:00AM
Iam currently taking the following medications as the result of a mild heartache two years ago. Pravachol (40mg/day), Plavix(75mg/day), 81mg aspirin/day, and welbutrin(150mg/twice per day). I take an occasional advil for congestion. My recent bloodwork is as follows: Total cholesterol-201, HDL-58, LDL-113, triglyceride-148, SGOT-39, SGPT-67, and Alkaline Phosphatase-81. Is the elevated SGPT level something to be concerned about and if so can I lower any of the above medications to accomplish the same result?
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Dec 29, 2004 12:00AM
, Dec 29, 2004 12:00AM
The SGPT is mildly elevated, and may be due to the Pravachol. However, being only mildly elevated, serial monitoring of the liver enzymes may be all that's necessary to do. If it continues to rise, the stopping the medication would be reasonable.
If you are drinking alcohol, I would suggest stopping - since this is a common reason why the SGPT would be elevated.
Other options would be a liver ultrasound as well as viral hepatitis panels for further evaluation.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
If you are drinking alcohol, I would suggest stopping - since this is a common reason why the SGPT would be elevated.
Other options would be a liver ultrasound as well as viral hepatitis panels for further evaluation.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
