HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Could Elevated Liver Enzymes Be Due To HIV Medications?

I have highly elevated ALT and AST. My doctor called. They have been going up since December of 2014. I am HIV positive, so I have blood work quite often. If my liver is damaged can it be repaired by switching HIV meds and it taking other medications?
Thu, 25 Jun 2020
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

Elevated liver enzymes called AST and ALT are common in HIV-infected patients taking anti-retroviral medications and can indicate liver damage. Although there are a number of possible causes for these elevations, such as infections with a hepatitis virus, anti-retroviral medications alone can lead to the elevations. Hence, other causes should be ruled out.

Almost all the HIV drugs are metabolised through the liver. Severe Enzyme elevation is enzyme levels 5 times the normal value which should be treated. Hence, monitoring Liver enzymes regularly and treating other causes of liver dysfunction should be done.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Saranya Ramadoss, General & Family Physician
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
Could Elevated Liver Enzymes Be Due To HIV Medications?

Hi, Elevated liver enzymes called AST and ALT are common in HIV-infected patients taking anti-retroviral medications and can indicate liver damage. Although there are a number of possible causes for these elevations, such as infections with a hepatitis virus, anti-retroviral medications alone can lead to the elevations. Hence, other causes should be ruled out. Almost all the HIV drugs are metabolised through the liver. Severe Enzyme elevation is enzyme levels 5 times the normal value which should be treated. Hence, monitoring Liver enzymes regularly and treating other causes of liver dysfunction should be done. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Saranya Ramadoss, General & Family Physician