Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Levothyroxine, Fosamax and problems with liver blood work

I'm new to this site. I was diagnosed hypothyroid eight months ago. At the time I didn't really have a lot of symptoms - before that, my doctor was investigating why my cholesterol level was so high, as my diet/weight etc are all pretty good.  I  spent  six months trying to bring the cholesterol into the normal range - and succeeded  (although it's still on the high side - the doc was happy) just by cutting down on dairy foods.
When my TSH level was discovered to be 5.83 (I live in France so the levels may be different - normal range is from 0.18 - 3.00) I was then referred to an endocrinologist.
After eight months taking Levothyroxine 50ug and Fosamax - without any real problems - I have now discovered that although my TSH level has reduced (2.45)  my Gamma levels (liver) have gone through the ceiling (Gamma G.T. before  the medication was 19UI/l - normal range is from 0 - 36. now it's 183 UI/l.
Has anybody else had any problems with liver blood work after taking this medication?
Best Answer
1299122 tn?1281040416
Here is an article about alendronate therapy (bisphosphonates) and elevated liver enzymes.
http://www.springerlink.com/content/fl717762lw246145/
9 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
1299122 tn?1281040416
My liver enzymes are up & down all of the time - they were up this past fall in October. Doctor did an ultrasound of my liver and nothing noted. I'd been taking Lortab for a herniated disk (contains acetaminophen) so we figured that was what had elevated them. Also, I tend to have high cholesterol (perhaps fatty liver) but because my HDL is so high (usually over 80) my doctors don't treat it. Come to find out that it was probably from years of undiagnosed Hashimotos & resultant hypothyroid.
YAY for going off the Fosamax!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi Shelley, thanks for those links - most useful.
I received my blood work results today, and although the Gamma G.T. was down (106, -  had been 161 and 183 over this past month) it  is still extremely high. Previously - for the past three years - it had always been within range - 22,19 and 20 - average range is up to 36.
I phoned the  endocrinologist, who thinks I may have had  acute hepatitis, and she is also happy for me to stop taking the Fosamax. I'm due for another blood test in another month - so the saga drags on..
Helpful - 0
1299122 tn?1281040416
I understand your thoughts about hard sell sites, although I've found quite a few medical sites that also support her views & research.
Here is a link to the FDA website that has some additional information regarding black bocx warnings. My gyn told me has started to limit his patients use of bisphosphonates to two years or less.  
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/ucm101551.htm
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks Shelley for that info. Problem is I'm always wary of the  'hard sell' - and Save Our Bones is certainly that.
I agree with your opinions on bisphosphonates - I've trawled the internet also, trying to find some natural solution to building up bone density - to not much success.
Currently at my endo's request I've eliminated alcohol for 3 weeks  - to see if the Gamma G.T. returns to normal - I'm sure it won't, as my alcohol consumption has not changed over recent years.
I'm really hoping it's connected to either the  Levothyroxine  and/or the Fosamax - as my blood works were fine before I started this medication 8 months ago.
I'm hoping she'll agree that I should stop taking the Fosamax for a least a period of time to get it out of my system before having more blood work done.
Helpful - 0
1299122 tn?1281040416
I'm glad that you have decided to use Fosamax for only a couple years. I'd also like to suggest the website "Save Our Bones" which endorses a more natural approach to strengthening bones instead of using bisphosphonates. (Boniva, Fosamax, Actonel etc)
One of the reasons we lose mineral density in our bones is because of the highly acidic diets we consume. Our body tried to maintain a proper ph level and leeches the calcium out of our bones to try to keep our cells from becoming too acidic.
I hope you will google "bisphosphonates" and research whether you really need this drug. It does not build bone, rather is interferes with "resorption" - however, if you go to the site I recommended you will find out a great deal.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks very much for the replies. The further information below maybe of use - even though they are French definitions - the normal range should give a clue!
Triglyceride  1.28g/l  (normal range 0.40 - 1.70)

T.G.O. (ASAT)  33mUI/ml  (normal 0 - 34)
T.G.P. (ALAT)   41mUI/ml (normal 0 - 55)
GAMMA G.T.   183UI/l (normal 0 - 36)
As for the Fosamax - in addition I'm already taking a calcium booster with Vit D  - also magnesium. I intend to use the fosamax only for a couple of years at the most, as I am very suspicious of it's longer term use.
Helpful - 0
649848 tn?1534633700
COMMUNITY LEADER
There are no known allergies to levothyroxine, as it is identical to the T4 produced in your body.  I would, however, suspect the Fosamax.  Can you try a different medication for osteoporosis?  I rebuilt my bone by supplementing with calcium, magnesium and vitamin D.

High cholesterol is often caused by hypothyroidism, and once thyroid levels are normalized (for you), cholesterol levels often come down.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I am unsure of the effects of thyroid meds on the liver, but I do know that Statin Drugs to treat High Cholesterol do affect the Liver Enzymes and raise them in many people, High Cholesterol is known to be caused by thyroid disease, along with high blood pressure. Alcohol has the same effect on liver enzymes as the statin drugs, The first time I had a Lipid panel done after being prescribed Lipitor , the MD's nurse asked me if I was aheavy drinker? I said no, I don't consider myself a drinker at all. But it was the statin drugs that caused it, Is the gamma level you mentioned considered a liver enzyme or is that a different lab?  Good Luck FTB4
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Thyroid Disorders Community

Top Thyroid Answerers
649848 tn?1534633700
FL
Avatar universal
MI
1756321 tn?1547095325
Queensland, Australia
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
We tapped the CDC for information on what you need to know about radiation exposure
Endocrinologist Mark Lupo, MD, answers 10 questions about thyroid disorders and how to treat them
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.