Rising Bilirubin

[Dastardly]

Good morning.

I have stage 4 prostate cancer and since March, have been taking a drug called Zytiga (Abiraterone) which has been known to affect the liver. A recent blood test shows my Bilirubin to be 24umol/L when the normal range should be 0-20. A month ago, it was 19umol/L. I am therefore concerned that 'something is going on' . My oncologist has not been in touch to express any concern, so I'm wondering if I should contact my GP. My blood tests are monthly at the moment, so I'm thinking I should give it another month first.

I would appreciate any comments from those who have had problems with Bilirubin levels.

Many thanks

[Rshc]

my partner has cirrhosis and his biliruben is around 70 currently. His consultant said that she isn't concerned about small fluctuations of 10 as she considers this to be stable. I would say if you are worried you should absolutely discuss it with your consultant

[Dastardly in reply to Rshc]

Thanks for your reply. Looks like I probably have some way to go before I really need to worry, so I think I will wait for the next set of bloods to see if there is a continued upward trend.Cheers

[timotur]

Three years ago, I had Zytiga with Lupron injections for stage 3b PCa. The Zytiga caused elevated liver enzymes and high blood pressure, so I dropped it after six months and continued on Lupron. Then developed borderline NAFLD after twelve more months of Lupron, perhaps related to quickly recovering testosterone and with it, estrogen levels. Liver enzymes are normal now, and not sure if Zytiga had anything to do with it. No other risk factors such as weight, diet, or alcohol.

[Dastardly in reply to timotur]

Thanks for your response. My ALP & ALT readings are fine at the moment and no problems with BP either. I am thinking that high Bilirubin may be due to gall bladder as I have a history of gallstones. That's the great thing about Pca, all these side effects from the drugs you have to take.Take care and stay well