Raised Liver Markers - Octasa/ Mesalamine?

[VV_1990]

I started taking Octasa for Crohns in October 23. Just had blood tests (for another issue) and dr called to say that my liver enzyme markers were raised (ALT 255, AST 99, ALP 239, GT 334.. all substantially above the top end of normal) and they want to do an ultrasound to check my liver. The only difference since my last blood test is that I’ve started taking Octasa. Has anyone else heard of, or experienced any liver problems with Mesalamine meds? Perhaps they’re not connected but it’s the only connection I can make, and curious to know. My dr said to keep taking the medication until they know what’s going on via ultrasound.

[Frasina]

Its normally the stronger meds that can increase liver markers, not mesalazines.. you may well find this is the only explanation but at least they are doing an ultrasound and if they think there is a connection, you will be swapped to something else. I have been on Octasa and then was given Mezavant XL (both mesalazine) as the consultant Im under said I may need to change the mesalazine although in my case, my liver markers was okay bar a couple.

[VV_1990 in reply to Frasina]

Thank you! It’s all quite new to me, so hearing some experiences really helps. It could be as easy as swapping meds at my next review but just don’t want to cause any damage. I’m going to try and reach out to the IBD team for some guidance. Thank you for taking time to reply!

[Crochet-hook]

Hi, my son has recently had something similar happen to him, and he is also on mesalazine (in his case via pentasa granules and salofalk suppositories). In his case however, he was told during his last consultation that his most recent blood tests showed that his creatinine levels ( kidney function) were elevated, and therefore his kidney function wasn't at 100%. He is now waiting for a kidney ultrasound and has also been told to carry on with his current meds for the time being ( he is on upadacitinib too). It's a never ending rollercoaster isn't it. My son's consultant didn't seem overly concerned apparently, but I am worried as to whether his medication is causing additional problems.

I hope the cause of your elevated levels gets resolved soon - I think we have a 6 week wait for the ultrasound, so it may take us a while!

Take care

Diane

[VV_1990 in reply to Crochet-hook]

Thank you! So true.. it’s a rollercoaster!

I am going to call the IBD team today and see if I can get some guidance on whether to keep taking them or not. I hope your son keeps well, and you have some answers soon too.

[Valerie0106]

liver issues are listed as a less common side effect of the drug

[blueberry125]

I take Mezavant which I believe is similar to Octasa. The patient information leaflet which comes with mine does mention that for 1 in 10 people ( this makes it a common side effect) the drug can cause an abnormal liver function test. Personally it’s never affected me that way but we are all different. The ultrasound will give more information as to whether this drug is causing the issue.