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Taking Simvastatin For Elevated Cholesterol. Have Diabetes Type 2. Medication Causing Elevated Liver Enzymes?
I was dx with elevated cholesterol and placed on simvastatin. About six months later my liver enzymes were and still are climbing, and I have been dx'ed with diabetes type two. Could this medication cause such sx? Along with these problems, i keep having urinary infections, dry and peeling skin that does not respond well to moisturizers. If I eat, my blood sugar goes up, but falls quickly and causes clammy sweats and nervousness. Anything I should do ? I went to the ER because of pain in mt back and anxiety like nervousness with rapid heartrate. They said it was because my serum potassium was low and prescribed 500 mg of pot,chloride bid. Last labwork one month ago shows my K levels normal, but liver enzymes still climbing. I don't know what to do because my Dr. Keeps saying he is going to research my problem, but I have not heard from him.
posted on
Fri, 9 Aug 2013
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Fri, 9 Aug 2013
Answered on
Sat, 10 Aug 2013
Last reviewed on
Hello,
Statins like SIMVASTATIN is known to cause elevation of liver enzymes.
It rarely causes problem to the patient or liver damage.
Although you have not mentioned the levels of your liver nzymes,It is very rare that drug has to be withdrawn because of liver toxicity.
Mild elevations are ignored but if the values are above 10 times of normal upper value or if patient develops symptoms,the drug is withdrawn.
Either a different statin like pravastatin or fluvastatin is given or a entirely different drug belonging to other class like EZETIMIBE can be given.
Other most important factor is the control of your diabetes.
An uncontrolled diabetes can also result in high liver enzymes.
Stop your SIMVASTATIN and see th response in next 1 month.
If liver enzymes become normal,then we know the culprit and can think of starting EZETIMIBE.
Keep control of your sugar level by medications,appropriate diet and regular aerobic exercises.
I hope it helps
Thanks
Statins like SIMVASTATIN is known to cause elevation of liver enzymes.
It rarely causes problem to the patient or liver damage.
Although you have not mentioned the levels of your liver nzymes,It is very rare that drug has to be withdrawn because of liver toxicity.
Mild elevations are ignored but if the values are above 10 times of normal upper value or if patient develops symptoms,the drug is withdrawn.
Either a different statin like pravastatin or fluvastatin is given or a entirely different drug belonging to other class like EZETIMIBE can be given.
Other most important factor is the control of your diabetes.
An uncontrolled diabetes can also result in high liver enzymes.
Stop your SIMVASTATIN and see th response in next 1 month.
If liver enzymes become normal,then we know the culprit and can think of starting EZETIMIBE.
Keep control of your sugar level by medications,appropriate diet and regular aerobic exercises.
I hope it helps
Thanks
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2 users find this helpful
Hi,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic,
After going through your history, you have Diabetes Type II and Elevated cholesterol levels it is important to get complete Lipid Profile and keep different components under control.
You are taking Simvastatin, which is good drug.
This drug can cause some rise in liver enzymes, other cause could be Diabetes and fatty liver. If necessary other statin like Atorvastatin or rosuvastatin may be tried if not tolerated other drugs can be used.
Repeated infection can occur in diabetes to take care of hygiene and keep your blood sugar under control.
Please take care of your diet for blood sugar and cholesterol issue avoid simple sugars and reduce fats from diet avoiding deep fried items and animal fats. If you are overweight reducing weight will help a lot.
If by chance you take alcohol please stop it completely.
Please take up regular walking exercise at least 45 to 60 minutes daily.
Hope this helps.
Take care.
Good Luck.
Dr.Akhilesh Dubey M.D.
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic,
After going through your history, you have Diabetes Type II and Elevated cholesterol levels it is important to get complete Lipid Profile and keep different components under control.
You are taking Simvastatin, which is good drug.
This drug can cause some rise in liver enzymes, other cause could be Diabetes and fatty liver. If necessary other statin like Atorvastatin or rosuvastatin may be tried if not tolerated other drugs can be used.
Repeated infection can occur in diabetes to take care of hygiene and keep your blood sugar under control.
Please take care of your diet for blood sugar and cholesterol issue avoid simple sugars and reduce fats from diet avoiding deep fried items and animal fats. If you are overweight reducing weight will help a lot.
If by chance you take alcohol please stop it completely.
Please take up regular walking exercise at least 45 to 60 minutes daily.
Hope this helps.
Take care.
Good Luck.
Dr.Akhilesh Dubey M.D.
I find this answer helpful
1 user finds this helpful
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