Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
168 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Taking Steroids And Mercaptopurine For AIH. Elevated ALT Levels. What Are The Side Effects? Have Diabetes

We have a huge concern. My mum was diagnosed with AIH about 3 months ago - mum is taking steroids gradually reduced to 10MG per day, today at the Liver clinic we were told her ALT elevated from 57 to 157 and she is now to take 20MG steroids plus 50MG per day mercaptopurine in order to stabilise the liver and reduce the steroids, but our worry is mercaptopure Puri-nethol tablets bring on severe side effects as this drug is used for treating cancer - from one hand the steroids are just as bad and yet the mercaptopurine tablets are also bad! my mum is 80 years of age, is diabetic insulin dependent, and what do we do! we dont have a choice do we!
posted on Sat, 17 Nov 2012
Twitter Thu, 22 Nov 2012 Answered on
Twitter Fri, 23 Nov 2012 Last reviewed on
Report Abuse
Oncologist,  's  Response
Mercaptopurine itself can cause liver enzyme elevation and diabetes to add on. If mercaptopurine is working for AIHA, just monitor the liver enzymes. I assume you have ruled out viral hepatitis post blood transfusion. As in case of ALL , we allow mercaptopurine even with slight but stable elevation of liver enzymes, you can continue it. Or else meet me at my clinic.
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Recent questions on Viral hepatitis


Loading Online Doctors....
Taking Steroids And Mercaptopurine For AIH. Elevated ALT Levels. What Are The Side Effects? Have Diabetes

Mercaptopurine itself can cause liver enzyme elevation and diabetes to add on. If mercaptopurine is working for AIHA, just monitor the liver enzymes. I assume you have ruled out viral hepatitis post blood transfusion. As in case of ALL , we allow mercaptopurine even with slight but stable elevation of liver enzymes, you can continue it. Or else meet me at my clinic.