Atorvastatin and liver function

[IanMK]

Twelve weeks ago, after signs of some plaque on an MRI scan, I added 40mg of Atorvastatin to my daily medications (in addition to 10mg of Empagliflozin, which is now apparently recommended for people like me who are recovering from Heart Failure). Blood tests for liver function 3 weeks ago showed slightly elevated ALT and high GGT levels. My previous GGT test was about 20 months ago and the level then was normal. Liver blood tests were repeated yesterday and my ALT level has doubled to 152 and GGT increased by 50% to 245. GGT issues are often linked to alcohol consumption but my drinking is well under recommended maximum levels and has been the case for several years. Has anyone else experienced these effects that they have attributed to atorvastatin or similar?

[Hidden]

Hello you may find it helpful on the British liver trust site, I was on there couple years ago due a high liver count not from statins but alcohol consumption I stopped drinking for 3 months and the high count was normal they monitored it another 3 months and 2 years on after drinking moderately maby sometimes a full bottle of wine my livers ok last blood test few weeks ago my concern with alcohol also is heart it can cause rapid beats and damage the electrics and also enlarge the heart, my mum's been on artivorstatin for 9 years she's 84 no problems, but she stopped drinking alcohol after her first heart attack 9 years ago, I hope your liver heels 🤗

[Instructor57]

I had the same effect on my liver function tests.I'm a non drinker and started atorvastatin in march following a heart attack.

My liver function blood tests came back way over limits and an abdominal ultrasound showed a slight fatty liver .

My cardiologist wanted me to repeat the blood tests a few weeks later by which time I had lost a significant amount of weight.

My next liver blood tests were mostly back in normal range and one just slightly above it nearly there .

I actually have more blood tests on Thursday so will be interesting to see the results

[IanMK in reply to Instructor57]

Other than a report of a small cyst discovered on my liver during an MRI scan five years ago, I can't find any reference in my health records to my liver. My BMI is good. I will speak with my GP and ask about an alternative statin.

[Instructor57 in reply to IanMK]

That's good, I think in my case it was a combination of the weight and Statins.

Good luck 🤞

[Hidden]

Hi I know I meant moderate as in less than 5 units per night half bottle of wine, the full bottle not regular and hope I have stopped that I have turned to alcohol when under stress and upset but am using other coping strategies now, yes I did used to have a full bottle of red wine 11per cent strength but added bit of water, I'm 59 and don't want to end up with heart and liver damage brain etc, I watch my saturated fat intake so don't need statins it's only 4.2 we didn't understand about cholesterol until mam's heart attack 😊

[Hidden]

Hi,

My doctor wanted me to go onto statins as my cholesterol level was high and he put me on 40mg Atotvastin.

I had a blood test 6 weeks after I started the statins which is a routine test to check that all is well once you start statins.

The test results came back with elevated levels of ALT at 257 and ALP at 229.

My doctor summoned me round to the surgical to examine as as an ALT over 100 is usually a sign of serious liver disease, but all was well.

I stopped taking the statins and both my ALT and ALP level’s returned to normal over a few weeks. My doctor wanted me to try a different statin but I choose to lower my cholesterol though eating a well balanced diet.

Currently I have a raised GGT level of 142 which I am under investigation for as I don’t drink alcohol.

Hope this post helps.

[IanMK in reply to Hidden]

After the first set of test results I discussed with my GP and agreed that the elevated markers, although outside the usual normal range, were expected and that we should monitor. The results this week are significantly worse so I will suggest to my GP that I stop the Atorvastatin, monitor the markers and resume with a different statin when I am back to normal.

[Hidden in reply to IanMK]

Hi,

I don’t quite understand your doctor’s comment that elevated markers were expected and would ask him why.

I would definitely be saying to your doctor that you want to stop the Atorvastatin and ask for a blood test in about 4 to 6 weeks to check that levels have normalised. If all is back to normal then yes worth trying a different statin.

My cardiologist wanted me to go on statins and when I told him about my previous bad reaction he suggested trying a low dose of Rosuvastatin of 5mg twice a week and if all is ok then increase the dose and go from there.

I’ve seen a number of posts that suggest Rosuvastatin is a more liver friendly statin. I haven’t actually tried the Rosuvastatin yet as I want to get my GGT level back down to normal before I do.

The strange thing about my case is my brother takes 40mg of Atorvastatin without problem and yet I took the same and had a problem.

Good luck when you see your doctor.

[IanMK in reply to Hidden]

NICE guidelines basically state that if ALT stabilises at less than three times the normal upper limit then continue with the statin. This implies that some elevation is not unexpected (if you will forgive the double negative).

I’ve now discussed with my GP and have stopped the statin and will have another blood test in 3 weeks time. If back to normal, he suggested another statin or a class of drug called ‘fibrates’. I am presently minded to enquire about the option of 20mg atorvastatin before trying an alternative.

[Gilling45]

Hi, I was prescribed Atorvastatin 80mg after my HA, 3 months later after a blood test my liver function was really high both cardiac nurse and my Gp told me stop taking statin and test again in 2 months. Liver function was still high, it is now a year and I have spoken to Gp about elevated liver and no statins, I am now being referred to the cholesterol team to see what they advise. Just got the record haven’t drunk alcohol for 38 years and totally changed my diet after HA. GP says although they want to control the cholesterol they must protect the liver. Just waiting now

[Bingofox007]

my teetotal father had a GGT of 1,120 and other abnormal liver results. His atorvostatin was discontinued and all back to normal 6 months on. Regular monitoring of liver function defo needed on statins. Take care 🦊x

[Silvasava]

Very interested to read about ALT levels in the liver. After a stroke I was prescribed 40mg of Atorvastatin. I started getting pain in my hands and wrists so with Drs approval I reduced to 20mg. I did notice my ALT levels were elevated but she told me they were not concerning. Previous to my stroke my cholesterol levels were good and I drink very little alcohol.. I am due for a blood test later this week so hopefully will be able to check. Thank you for your comments

[45sue]

Yes- I had what is called a deranged liver after being put on Atorvastatin -nothing to do with drinking . Your doctor needs to change you to a different statin which you can tolerate better.

[Art-99]

For the last few months I have been prescribed Ezetrol ( it also goes under a generic name) ; the usual statins named in the earlier posts caused raised liver enzymes although I had not experienced any side effects. I do have a fatty liver (non alcoholic) so advised to drink at least 2 litres of water a day and limit alcohol consumption and certainly no binge drinking, however as I take anti coagulants this is something I do anyway. It seems Ezetrol doesn’t work directly on the liver but limits the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines. I am still having blood tests every couple of months to monitor my liver function and cholesterol .

[Lee-J]

Hi Ian it’s Kate. It’s been a while! Can’t remember how to do private messaging. Remind me please. Just read your post. What’s been going on?? Heart failure?? Liver function??