Raised liver function on niraparib

[Bluedoor24]

Good morning all,This is my first post although I have found the site very helpful during my journey, and thank everyone for sharing their experiences. It's very helpful to know yo are not alone.

I have recently started niraparib after surgery and chemo, initially side effects minor, slightly raised blood pressure and heart rate. At my last blood test my liver function was very elevated and was advised to stop medication, due another blood test this week to see if any improvement. Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this and if things eventually settled and were able to continue treatment? Also how long a pause in treatment they needed?

Love and best wishes to all on this journey ❤️ Alison

[BlueHue22]

Hi Alison,I have had up and down Liver Alt since mid chemo. I have been on Niraparib for 10 months since and during the first 3 months I came off Niraparib twice for 2 weeks because of raised Liver Alt. But the breaks didn't have a negative effect and my CA125 actually went down a bit. Interestingly I had an abscessed route canal tooth taken out in Jan that had been rumbling on a while and my liver results have been pretty good since then, may have possibly been extra strain on my system/liver...actually last month my Liver Alt came completely back into range for the first time since chemo!

I remember feeling worried and a bit annoyed about the breaks but it did work out ok in the end. Hope this reassures you a bit👍

[Bluedoor24 in reply to BlueHue22]

Hi, thank you for reply. My liver function has been up and down for over 25yrs, I had treatment for ulcerative colitis when I was younger and liver specialist thought this might be the cause as they couldn't find any other reason. Like you the chemo has affected it too but usually comes back to normal. My biggest concern is that I'm supposed to be going on a long looked forward to holiday with my daughter and new granddaughter in 2 weeks and if they start it again in 2 weeks I might not be able to go. I'm considering asking if they will postpone restart until I get back but that will be a break of 5weeks so not sure if this would be too long? Do you know anyone who has had a longer break?Alison

[BlueHue22 in reply to Bluedoor24]

Hi, I don't know of others with the Liver level problem despite looking for info on it. I suppose you will need to see how the blood tests look over the next fews weeks, I found it can come down alot over a week. If they say the blood results are ok I guess its for you to decide what to do. I found my symptoms haven't been too bad when I restart as my body has had a break to recover. I personally like to get back on the tabs as soon as I can. Maybe try talking it over with your nurse specialist as they will have seen similar cases and understand that this is a special trip for you. Hope you do get to go away on your hol, sounds lovely x

[Bluedoor24 in reply to BlueHue22]

Thank you, it's difficult to know what to do for the best, like you I do want to get back on it, but feel the break would do me good too🤔 I have another blood test at the weekend and review on Monday so hopefully will know more then🤞Can I ask, have you travelled since starting niraparib? x

[delia2 in reply to Bluedoor24]

Tell them about your trip. We have to do the things that make life worth living! Have they discussed lowering your dose?

[Bluedoor24 in reply to delia2]

Hi, thank you for your reply.Yes I have told them about my trip and how important it is to me spend some time with my daughter and new granddaughter😍 I have spent most of her first year either having chem or surgery. I think I'm going to have to take control and tell them this us what I want to do👍I would rather have a longer break now and try again when I get back.

Alison x

[Bluedoor24 in reply to delia2]

I'm only taking 100mgs due to weight and previous raised liver function

[BlueHue22]

Only in this country, but I wouldn't rule out going abroad. I think lots of people do travel on Niraparib with the right travel insurance. Hope the blood test at the wkend helps you figure out what to do🤞x

[thejoannabell]

I was on niraparib for about a year, and my AST and ALT were elevated much of the time. It must not have been high enough to outweigh the benefit of the drug, because it was never paused for that reason. They did go back to normal after stopping it, but it took a few weeks.

[Alice77]

Hi. I didn't have any liver issues but did travel to France and Italy whilst taking Niraparib. My oncologist said that it remains in your system for quite a long time and that a break of 2 or 3 wèeks without it should not be a problem.

[Bluedoor24 in reply to Alice77]

Hi, Thanks for that information. I have to wait until liver function back to normal before they will consider restarting so I'm hoping a break of 5 weeks won't be too detrimental🤞 We're only going to Portugal for 2weeks and it's to our holiday home so I am covered for health care there. Just thinking I could do with the break and the feeling of normality for a couple of weeks🙂 Alison x

[K95m]

hi Alison

This is very common when you start Niraparib. My ALT ( liver enzyme) was over 400. Normal range 0-35.

My Onc was as shocked as I was. I came off the drug for two weeks and then went back on a reduced dose.

Liver function went back to normal and I’m monitored every two months with blood tests.

I’ve been on Niraparib for 6 years now.

Hope this helps

Kay

[Bluedoor24 in reply to K95m]

Wow Kay, that's brilliant news and very reassuring to know, thank you💕I'm hoping my bloods are better this week🤞I'm just hoping they will let me wait to restart until after my holiday if it does settle down, but that will be off it for 5 weeks and although I can't find any information about a cut off length of time off, not sure if this would be ok.

Thanks again for your reply,

Alison