AST, ALT high

[kamiilos]

Hi, while been on Interferon journey my AST and ALT rocketed up high to 64 for ast and 92 for alt.Is this change a concern ? How can I maintain liver enzymes ?

I am on a low carb high fat diet but I am using all the healthy ingredients. Not sure if related.

Haematologist doesn't seem worry about that though, she is just very happy my platelets and HCT are in good range.

Thank you

[hunter5582]

This kind of elevation in LFTs is not uncommon with the IFNs. Mine have gone as high as 3X/Upper Limit of Normal. The Beremi label indicates that dose adjustment is not needed until the LFTs reach 5x/ULN if the other numbers look good.

I was able to significantly reduce the LFTs with the Milk Thistle Extract prescribed by my Integrative Medicine Doctor. In addition, if LFTs are elevated it helps to be kind to your liver (AKA take it easy on the adult beverages).

All the best moving forward.

[Mishie14 in reply to hunter5582]

I have experienced the same AST and ALT side effect, being on peginterferon since March. Hemo doctor is not overly concerned as you noted higher levels are not unusual with MPNs. I also experienced high enzymes faster and further when first taking Hydroxyurea and then Anagrelide. It took 3 months off of platelet treatment for liver enzymes to return to normal ranges. Then I started low dose peginterferon that slowly caused enzymes to start rising again. A month ago I started taking a basic over the counter 175 milk thistle extract capsule once per day to see if it can help keep enzymes from crossing the high line. It is just now starting to help. Next going to start a basic turmeric, possibly a combo of liver detox supplements though being extra careful as I have a history of drug reactions.

Wondering if you would share what milk thistle you take and where you get it--do you use over the counter supplements or custom blends?

Thank you and stay safe!

[hunter5582 in reply to Mishie14]

I am using 2 caps/day of Silymarin, made by Pure Encapsulations. This is the brand recommended by my Integrative medicine doctor. It is available online from various sources.

I am also taking a liposomal curcumin formulation, CurcuWIN. It is found in various brands, Including the Spring Valley brand that I use. Surprisingly, I am able to buy this at Walmart. CurcuWIN formulations can be fouind elsewhere as well.

I have done a liver detox in the past when my mercury levels were too high. Too much fresh tuna it seems.

All the best moving forward.

[Mishie14 in reply to hunter5582]

Thank you for sharing, Hunter. I am working up courage to see an integrative medicine doctor. I have a referral to start with. Also thanks to you for sharing your positive experiences in this area . I ran out of resistance to trying it. Stay safe!

[eladhil]

Hey. I have p.v and when I started to take peg I also had liver problems and spleen enlarged. My hematologist lower the peg to 45 per 18 days and add h.u once a day and it all good now