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Is Lipitor Safe To Take While Having Elevated Liver Enzymes?
Question: My recent blood tests show elevated liver enzymes and high colesterol. I have been told to take lipitor. Would it not be more beneficial to reduce my liver enzymes before takeing a drug that can potentially elevate them further? I am not overweight and have reduced my intake of alcohol.
If I am unable to completely stop alcohol at this time, should I still take the lipitor? i.e 2 glasses per day?
If I am unable to completely stop alcohol at this time, should I still take the lipitor? i.e 2 glasses per day?
Brief Answer:
Elevated LFT from high lipids
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for contacting HCM with your health care concerns
You have elevated liver functions and elevated cholesterol. The most likely cause of your elevated liver functions is the high cholesterol levels. When you have high lipids the liver is storing the lipids in the liver and this is squeezing your normal liver cells causing the elevated LFTs. So the course of action actually would be to first manage the lipids. Once Lipids are low your LFTs should resolve. If they don't then you may need additional lab testing to determine the cause of the LFTs.
I would also recommend stopping your alcohol completely as this even in small doses will cause liver damage.
In summary
1. Stop all alcohol
2. Low fat diet
3. Regular exercise
4. Start cholesterol lowering medication
5. Recheck cholesterol and LFTs in 2-3 months
6. If LFTs still up need further investigation
I would recommend completely stopping but that is up to you as to how much you should drink. I still would recommend that lipitor as it will help with the cholesterol issue.
I hope I answered your question. Please contact us again if you have any additional questions
Elevated LFT from high lipids
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for contacting HCM with your health care concerns
You have elevated liver functions and elevated cholesterol. The most likely cause of your elevated liver functions is the high cholesterol levels. When you have high lipids the liver is storing the lipids in the liver and this is squeezing your normal liver cells causing the elevated LFTs. So the course of action actually would be to first manage the lipids. Once Lipids are low your LFTs should resolve. If they don't then you may need additional lab testing to determine the cause of the LFTs.
I would also recommend stopping your alcohol completely as this even in small doses will cause liver damage.
In summary
1. Stop all alcohol
2. Low fat diet
3. Regular exercise
4. Start cholesterol lowering medication
5. Recheck cholesterol and LFTs in 2-3 months
6. If LFTs still up need further investigation
I would recommend completely stopping but that is up to you as to how much you should drink. I still would recommend that lipitor as it will help with the cholesterol issue.
I hope I answered your question. Please contact us again if you have any additional questions
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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