What Causes Elevated Bilirubin Levels After Having Metformin?

Posted on Sat, 20 Dec 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 20 Dec 2014 Answered on

Fri, 16 Jan 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi , I am diabetic and have been taking metformin for last 9months ( 500mg x 2 ) daily. I just checked my liver profile and my bilirubin levels are high. Total -2.3 direct -0.4 and indirect 1.9. I am going to travel for next 2 weeks before I can visit a physician . What precautions should I take?

Answered by Dr. Ajish TP (-5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Avoid medications that affect liver

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX,

Welcome to HCM. I have gone through your question and understand your concerns

Please upload the liver function report.
How are your liver enzymes (SGOT and SGPT)?

Around 5% of people can have a condition called Gilbert's syndrome in which total bilirubin and indirect bilirubin are elevated with normal liver enzymes. This is a genetic condition. Gilbert's syndrome is harmless and usually no treatment is needed.

Avoid drugs like analgesics that affect liver function and alcohol.

Hope I have answered your questions. If you have any further queries I will be happy to help you.

Regards,

Dr Ajish TP [MD,DM]
Consultant Endocrinologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju