Hepatotoxicity is a general term for liver damage. “Drug-induced liver injury is a potential complication of nearly every medication that is prescribed” (Meds and your Liver). When thinking of hepatotoxicity, Tylenol (acetaminophen) overdose usually comes to mind. Signs and symptoms of hepatotoxicity include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, diarrhea, weakness, and jaundice.
It is not clear how hepatotoxicity can be prevented because it is poorly understood. One of the most important things you can do is to get checked for liver disease before starting any medications. Since most drugs are metabolized in the liver, proper function of the liver is essential. The first sign of damage to the liver is an increase in liver enzyme levels in the blood. When the liver is damaged, its enzymes are released into the bloodstream, where the levels can be measured by blood tests. This can be tested by liver function tests (FDA).
Common risk factors for hepatotoxicity include infection with hepatitis B, alcohol use, pregnancy, combination of drugs, and high levels of liver enzymes (Hepatotoxicity). These risk factors only correlate with hepatotoxicity and are not necessarily the cause of this disease. Taking Advil (ibuprofen) or any OTC medications should be taken within dosage and not mixed with other drugs or alcohol to avoid liver damage.
References
FDA www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/ac/02/slides
Hepatotoxicity http://aidsinfo.nih.gov/contentfiles/Hepatotoxicity_FS_en.pdf
Medications and your Liver http://www.beliefnet.com/healthandhealing/getcontent.aspx?cid=%0D%0A%09%09%09%09%09%0927863
Wow! That was a very interesting blog. I never knew Tylenol and Advil could effect a peron's liver in such a negative manner. Thank you for sharing this information with everyone.
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"I did not know that tylenol and advil can causes livee damage, I should go and get checked out as soon as I can. I also didnt know what the word hepatotoxicity meant and now I do. Ever interesting. "
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My daughter is pregnant and often takes Tylenol. Why is pregnancy a risk factor for liver damage?
ReplyDeleteThere is a disorder called toxemia that is common during late pregnancy. The signs and symptoms of toxemia include high blood pressure, edema, and kidney dysfunction. In a percentage of women with this disorder, the liver can also be affected. There is also a liver disorder called cholestatic that is caused by the increase in endogenous estrogens. The physiological changes during pregnancy also alter physical finds and liver biochemistries.
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