liver enzymes

[agape1947]

I have very high liver enzyme values from statin use. I've been off of statins since 5-28-10. Can damage   be reversed?

[mikesimon]

"Potentially serious side effects

    * Liver damage. Occasionally, statin use causes an increase in liver enzymes. If the increase is only mild, you can continue to take the drug. If the increase is severe, you may need to stop taking it, which usually reverses the problem. If left unchecked, increased liver enzymes can lead to permanent liver damage. Certain other cholesterol-lowering drugs, such as gemfibrozil (Lopid) and niacin, increase the risk of liver problems even more in people who take statins. Because liver problems may develop without symptoms, people who take statins have a blood test six weeks after starting a statin medication to check their liver function. After that, your doctor may recommend yearly blood tests..."

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/statins/CL00010

Mike

[mikesimon]

Elevated liver enzymes as a result of statin use does not necessarily mean there is liver damage. Stopping the drug frequently results in normalization of liver enzymes. And occasionally changing to a different statin solves the problem of elevated liver enzymes while maintaining an improved cholesterol level.

Good luck,
Mike

[WaveRider]

It's possible. The liver is a strong and self healing organ. Discuss with your doctor the amount of damage and ways to help your liver heal; ie, NO alcohol, NO drugs, NO NSAIDS