Thyroid med caused AST/ALT to go up ?

[hypogirl80]

Dr. Lupo, I started having Hyper thyroid about 4 or 5 years ago. in June 05 I started taking Tapazole to control my Hyperthyroid. Right after I started Tapazole, my AST/ALT level started to go up, for a period of 18 months, my AST/ALT went SLOWLY from 25/40, which is normal, to 90/180 at the end of 2006.  My doctor stopped Tapazole and I did RAI early 07, My doctor said once I stopped Tapazole, my AST/ALT should come down. but so far, 18 months later, my AST/ALT is still at 90/180 (good thing is does not go up anymore).  Liver tests indicated I have fat in the liver, everything else are normal. Some people said over weight can cause ast/alt to go up, but I gained all my weight(25 pounds) in 2004, at that time my ast/alt was OK. I really think it is the Tapazole casued the problem because of the timing. but why my ast/alt does not come down after I stopped the Tapazole for 18 months already ?   Thanks.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

The liver damage from tapazole is usually reversed when the medication is stopped.  In this case the timing seems linked to the tapazole and perhaps b/c you had underlying fatty liver (which had not yet showed damage, ie high enzymes) and the tapazole pushed it over the edge.  Or the fatty liver is worse (may occur w/o further weight gain).  Would keep an eye on the enzymes and if necessary consult with a hepatologist (liver specialist).