Do you know that drugs can hamper your liver functions, and damage it? Some specific medications like Statins can boost your cholesterol level and enzyme level, which lead to liver damage. Certain drugs can lead to jaundice, itching, abdominal pain, bleeding, and bruises in a person. Unfortunately, you might not experience the liver disease symptoms at the initial stages. The medical term for those medicines that cause liver damage is drug-induced liver injury. This also includes damage caused by medicinal herbs, recreational drugs, nutritional supplements, and plants. However, there are some drugs, which show immediate signs of reaction after consumption. It can lead to jaundice and even liver failure.
Who are at Risk?
Certain factors can increase the vulnerability of suffering from drug-induced liver injury:
• Obesity
• Above 18 years of age
• Smoking and drinking habits
• Genetic condition
• Pregnancy
It should be noted that alcohol can severely damage the liver. The chances of drug-induced liver injury are high here because of the combination of medicines and alcohol. Also, drinking is responsible for reducing the supply of essential antioxidants that protects the liver.
Classification of drug-induced liver injury
Doctors can categorize drug-induced liver injury in numerous ways. They will examine how the medicine has damaged the liver, how the liver cells are affected and identify the underlying liver enzyme abnormalities through blood tests. For instance, drugs can damage the liver directly by harming its cells (hepatocellular), by hampering the bile flow out of the liver (cholestatic), or by both.
How can you identify the signs of drug-induced liver injury?
Though there are no specific symptoms of this problem, there are still some signs that can give you possible hints.
• Constant feeling of fatigue
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Itching
• The feeling of being unwell
• Jaundice
• Abdominal pain
• Disorientation
• Confusion
• Enlarged liver
• Reduced alertness
The final condition is revealed after a series of blood tests and liver evaluations. A noteworthy reduction in liver enzymes is a prominent sign of liver damage. Effective treatment options include discontinuation of medicine, prescription of antidote, and even liver transplantation. Fortunately, the liver transplant success rate is quite high in this condition. But transplant is advised when the liver is severely damaged.
Can drug-induced liver injury be prevented? Yes, this condition can be restricted by being alert to any new body changes post medications, identifying the symptoms, and with continuous blood tests as per doctor’s advice. Good Luck!
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