Statins and Serum Gamma GT levels

[Michaelx]

I am taking a statin called Atorvastatin, and since I have been taking it my Serum Gamma GT levels has rocketed. I have undergone an ultrasound which showed no abnormailites of my liver. This result seems to show that statins can raise GT levels without actually damaging ones liver, but I am still uncomfortable about it. I would like to hear from anyone who has experince of this or has medical knowledge about this matter.

[Hidden]

Hi there Michaelx - although I cannot give individual guidance, statins are known to potentially increase the level of your liver enzymes. Your GP should take a liver blood test before starting and then shall monitor your liver enzymes for any increase (which potentially can increase significantly). Your GP would be best placed to discuss your results - as i'm sure you are aware, statins are important drugs in terms of heart health so it's balancing up the potential risk of any inflammation to your liver versus lowering your cholesterol. Best wishesTrust10

[Michaelx in reply to Hidden]

Hi Trust 10, thank you for your reply to my post. I understand what you are saying and I will take this matter up with my GP. Kind regards Michaelx

[Hidden]

I’m new here (and hoping only to stay temporarily) but frequent the BHF page, and we’ve had a rash of posts about statins and abnormal liver enzymes in recent days. I take 20mg atorvastatin due to high cholesterol that may be associated with metabolic syndrome, and have recently had elevated ALT that I’m wondering if it’s associated with the statin use, although I did have a mild, often reversible liver condition diagnosed a few years back. I’ve only been on the statin since the end of Jan. We thought the raise was linked to another medication I was taking for arthritis that was increased in March, but having stopped that, my ALT remains wonky and I’m now being referred for further tests. Everything I’ve read suggests that abnormal enzymes are very common with all cholesterol lowering drugs, not just statins, and rather than being an indication of liver damage, there is a belief the elevations are to do with the fact that cholesterol is produced by the liver, so drugs effecting cholesterol alter the enzyme levels as a side effect of how they work.

[Michaelx in reply to Hidden]

Hi Charlie_G, Thank you for reply to my post. I understand what you are saying, but I am trying to establish if the increase in Gamma GT levels, which you say are a side effect of how statins work, actually does damage to the liver that could cause other problems. . Best wishes, Michaelx.

[Peter_Plymouth]

Hi Michael,

Yes, I have also heard that some statins can alter liver function test results. However, my understanding is, and this in no way replaces you discussing this with your GP, that as long as you don’t have other pre-existing conditions then this rise in GGT will not cause you any long term issues.

As others have said and I feel obliged to say do talk to your GP or specialist at the hospital to allay your fears - they are the only one’s that can make an informed decision as they have all the information - I would feel very heartened that your ultrasound was clear and take comfort in that - good luck Peter

[Michaelx in reply to Peter_Plymouth]

Hi Peter_ Plymouth, thank you for your reply to my post, yes you are probably right and I do take comfort in my ultrasound being clear. It will be interesting to hear what a specialist rather than a GP has to say about it. Best wishes, Michaelx.

[Hillbil]

My husband takes those tablets but since being told he has cirrhosis hes worried about taking them .

[Michaelx in reply to Hillbil]

Hi Hillbil, thank you for your reply to my post. I am not a doctor, but I would speak to a specialist about his concern, not a GP. One thing you need to know is, did he have this condition before he started the drugs. Best wishes, Michaelx.

[Hillbil in reply to Michaelx]

No he was only told last year he had cirrhosis he is seening a liver nurse in june for scan

[Steak]

Hi I have recently started taking the same statin as u didn't really want 2 as I thought my cholesterol level was ok but my liver consultant has advised me to take it as there are more benefits . My blood sugar levels have risen very slightly while I've been taking it dont know whether its just a coincidence or not I mention it to my diabetic nurse who said it shudnt do.

[Michaelx]

Hi Steak, thank you for your reply to my post.Your sugar levels have a good chance of increasing and becoming a problem if you are in the pre-diabetic range. If you are not borderline diabetic, sugar levels may still increase, but probably make little difference.My reply is based on my own experience and research. Best wishes, Michaelx.

[Warrior1]

Similar experience to you as recently, my GP put me on the same med for high cholesterol. It was normal pre covid but now have to adjust diet too. She said for me to get a blood test after 2 months (end May) to see how my liver was coping. So like you possibly, they may feel the benefits outweigh the risks. Still, i was equally surprised as i did read that it wasn't for people with liver problems. So maybe a balancing act and dependent on the future body reaction/results to Lipitor.

[Michaelx in reply to Warrior1]

Hi Warrior1, thank yoru for reply to my post. I understand what your saying, however I don't think trading one condition for another is a good practice. Also, a decent doctor should know that some statins are much worse than others, both in incrasing GT levels and increasing sugar levels, but then it also depends on your underlying healh problems. Best wishes, Michaelx.

[richard_jw]

Gamma GT is also raised as a result of drinking excess alcohol. Also there are other drugs which cause it for instance Phenytoin taken for epilepsy