ALP levels decreased then increased while on URSO 250 3x a day

[mmihhih]

Hi All,

I am very concerned about a recent blood test showing my ALP levels elevating from 119 in February 2019 to 155 in July 2019. Perviously before taking Urso, my ALP levels were extremely high in the 280to 290 level, then starting Urso in 2018, it lowered my ALP levels to 129 then down to the 119 in feb of 2019. The new high ALP elevation is what's worrying me. I did have a small bone fracture 3 months ago and also have a dx history of Osteoporosis.. so don't know if that is linked to the higher ALP level this month.

Is this a sign I am unresponsive to URSO? Its been over 1 year since I started the medication. Doctor wants me to continue taking Urso and follow up with another blood test in 3 months. I am very worried. My bilirubin is normal range.

[EileenUSA]

Hi

I understand how our anxiety gets poked when our blood levels change. But, I have also read and know personally that some ups and downs like this are normal. Still I know it's hard to not stress. Also many Hepatology doctors say that anything under 200 is "normal" for PBC folks.

Hugs,

Eileen

[Karaxxx]

I too have been told that the aim is to keep the Alp under 200 in PBC. Mine was over 300. Since I’ve been on urso (only 4 months) it’s now below 200 but has been fluctuating anywhere between 135-170 ish & I was assured that that’s ok. Hope this helps x

[4pjx__]

In my opinion you are doing really well. My ALP started out in the 400's when I started Urso. It took about a year for mine to come down and now it is still not normal but getting close. It was my billirubin that took ages to come down. It took 2 years and finally got to an acceptable level. Don't get discouraged.

Pam

[Mofusdog]

It seems you are already aware that the ALP can be high due to bones as well as the liver. The GGT reading should let you know where it is coming from. With a broken bone a few months ago, I suspect it is the bones and not the liver. It does not mean you are not responding to Urso.