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Taking Lipitor. Found High Bilirubin Level. What Should I Do?
Question: I have been taking Lipitor (10 mg) for a couple of years, and since that time my bilirubin has become elevated to around 1.5. My doctor seems to think it isn't the Lipitor and has increased the dosage to 20 mg (my "bad" chloresterol is 102, and we want it to be below 100). But should I not be on a different type of statin since the elevated bilirubin showed up when I began taking Lipitor? I should note that I was taking pravastatin prior to switching to Lipitor, with no increase in bilirubin. Also, the rest of my liver enzymes are OK.
Hi friend,
Welcome to Health Care Magic
Increase of bilirubin is known with Atorvastatin (Lipitor) – especially in the elderly and early in the treatment. But it is not common and other liver enzymes too are usually affected.
Pravastatin and atorvastatin belong to the same class / you were OK with the other – that is why, he probably feels it may not be related to the drug and is likely to be right.
Whatever it is, give the benefit of doubt and change to a different class of drug – not a different drug in the same class.
You may try fibrates (eg. Fenofibrate).
You can add Ezetimibe.
Take care
Wishing speedy recovery
God bless
Good luck
Welcome to Health Care Magic
Increase of bilirubin is known with Atorvastatin (Lipitor) – especially in the elderly and early in the treatment. But it is not common and other liver enzymes too are usually affected.
Pravastatin and atorvastatin belong to the same class / you were OK with the other – that is why, he probably feels it may not be related to the drug and is likely to be right.
Whatever it is, give the benefit of doubt and change to a different class of drug – not a different drug in the same class.
You may try fibrates (eg. Fenofibrate).
You can add Ezetimibe.
Take care
Wishing speedy recovery
God bless
Good luck
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Do fibrates also treat high chloresterol?
Hi
Yes, fibrates do reduce cholesterol.
They reduce triglyceride more.
It is a good alternative.
Ezetimibe also helps - it reduces absorption from intestine.
It is usually given as an addition to the statin or Fibrate.
C(h)olestyramine is another alternative - It is bile acid sequestrant / the inconvenience is bulk (powder 4 gram sachets)
Regards.
Yes, fibrates do reduce cholesterol.
They reduce triglyceride more.
It is a good alternative.
Ezetimibe also helps - it reduces absorption from intestine.
It is usually given as an addition to the statin or Fibrate.
C(h)olestyramine is another alternative - It is bile acid sequestrant / the inconvenience is bulk (powder 4 gram sachets)
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hi
1.5 could still be normal range, for some.
All biological values have a range / vary in individuals / even in one individual vary different times.
Don't worry.
You need not do anything for the present. Have the liver function repeated after 2 weeks - probably, it will be normal. If it goes up, a few more investigations, may be done with a view to find a possible cause.
Good luck
1.5 could still be normal range, for some.
All biological values have a range / vary in individuals / even in one individual vary different times.
Don't worry.
You need not do anything for the present. Have the liver function repeated after 2 weeks - probably, it will be normal. If it goes up, a few more investigations, may be done with a view to find a possible cause.
Good luck
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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