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DRUG-INDUCED LIVER DISEASEs

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DRUG-INDUCED LIVER DISEASEs

Drug-induced liver diseases are diseases of the liver that can develop following the use of certain drugs – physician-prescribed medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbs,  and illicit drugs, as well as environmental toxins.

  • The liver is the largest solid organ in the body and has many essential body functions including:
  • The production of protein important for blood clotting, transporting oxygen, and helping the immune system.
  • Helping the body store sugar in the form of glycogen
  • Breaking down saturated fat and producing cholesterol
  • Getting rid of harmful substance in the bloodstream, including drugs and alcohol
  • Storing excess nutrients and returning some to the bloodstream
  • When drugs injure the liver and slow down its ability to function properly, symptoms and signs of liver disease may develop.
  • Abnormalities of drug-induced liver diseases are similar to those of liver diseases caused by other agents such as immunologic diseases and viruses.

Drugs and chemical can cause a wide range of injury in the liver, such as:

  • Cirrhosis
  • Blood clots in the vein of the liver
  • Necrosis
  • Steatosis (fat accumulation in the liver)
  • Cholestasis (decreased secretion and/or flow of bile)
  • Hepatitis (inflammation of the liver)
  • Mild elevations in blood levels of liver enzymes

CAUSES

Medication (over-the-counter and prescription) that have been associated with drug-induced liver disease includes:

  • Acetaminophen
  • Aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium when taken excessively or taken with alcohol
  • NSAIDs
  • Steroids
  • Anti-viral drugs for HIV infection
  • Steroids
  • Arthritis drug like methotrexate
  • Antifungal drugs
  • Niacin
  • Antibiotics such as erythromycin
  • Statin
  • Vitamins A
  • Oral contraceptive pills

Chemotherapy

Herbal supplements that contain Aloe Vera, cascara, comfrey, or kava

Chemical and solvents

Factors that may put you at a higher risk of having the infection include:

  • A previous history of liver disease
  • Old age
  • A gene mutation that affects the way liver works
  • Working in a job that uses industrial chemicals which may be toxic
  • Taking alcohol alongside some medications or supplements

SYMPTOMS

  • Fever
  • Dark-colored urine
  • Itching
  • Jaundice
  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Weight loss
  • Vomiting
  • Jaundice
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach pain
  • White or gray stool

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

Diagnosing the condition may be difficult as patients may not have symptoms of liver disease or may have mild, non-specific symptoms.

To make a diagnosis, the doctor will carry out a physical exam, go over your symptoms and perform a thorough medical history

Blood tests to check for signs of liver malfunction as well as for certain enzymes that might indicate liver disease.

Imaging tests such as CT scan, ultrasound, MRI scan.

A biopsy of the liver to check for severe liver disease.

TREATMENT

To treat the condition, you will have to stop using the drug that is causing your symptoms. In most patients, symptoms of the liver disease will resolve and blood tests will become normal and there will be no long-term liver damage.

In some cases where damage is severe, a liver transplant may be required

To help avoid the condition:

  • Only take supplements and medications when they are truly necessary
  • Do not take more than the recommended amount of any medication
  • Ensure that your doctors are aware of all medications that you are using, especially herbs and vitamins you take on your own.
  • Tell the doctor If you have had a previous history of liver disease.