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What Causes Severe Itching All Over The Body And Elevated Liver Enzymes?

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Posted on Mon, 21 Mar 2016
Question: I am having extreme severe itching all over my body. The only thing that has changed in my medicinal regimen is that I have gone back on Lipitor. I used to take it, and it didn't make me itch. I didn't have any problems with Lipitor - but I know it is hard on livers. I have lipid levels that require me to take something. I have also taken Tylenol in earlier times in my life. I no longer take Tylenol in any form.
In a recent blood test, my liver enzymes were elevated. So I went back on Lipitor. Little by little, I began itching and taking megadoses of Benadryl.
I skipped the Lipitor this morning. The itching is worse than it's ever been before.
On a daily basis, I take citalopram, metoprolol tartrate, zolpidem tartrate, furosemide, Xanax, small dose aspirin, nexium, and ibuprofen.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (31 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
If symptoms are getting worse,go to ER as soon as possible...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I have gone through your medical history carefully and understood your concerns.

1. Taking Lipitor won't reduce very high triglycerides levels. Fenofibrates are prescribed instead.

2. The extreme itching all over your body with high liver enzymes need further evaluation. If bilirubin is also high, then, problems with gallbladder and related pathways are suspected (e.g. inflammation/infection/sludge/stone). Can you please provide the reports of tests you did?
Abdominal ultrasound is recommended to check your liver/gallbladder further.

3. Allergy reaction is also to be ruled out. If the itchiness won't stop or get worse or if you will also feel difficulty in breathing, then, should go to ER as soon as possible as Benadryl won't help much in that case.

Wish fast recovery!
Dr.Albana
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 7300 Questions

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What Causes Severe Itching All Over The Body And Elevated Liver Enzymes?

Brief Answer: If symptoms are getting worse,go to ER as soon as possible... Detailed Answer: Hi, I have gone through your medical history carefully and understood your concerns. 1. Taking Lipitor won't reduce very high triglycerides levels. Fenofibrates are prescribed instead. 2. The extreme itching all over your body with high liver enzymes need further evaluation. If bilirubin is also high, then, problems with gallbladder and related pathways are suspected (e.g. inflammation/infection/sludge/stone). Can you please provide the reports of tests you did? Abdominal ultrasound is recommended to check your liver/gallbladder further. 3. Allergy reaction is also to be ruled out. If the itchiness won't stop or get worse or if you will also feel difficulty in breathing, then, should go to ER as soon as possible as Benadryl won't help much in that case. Wish fast recovery! Dr.Albana