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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Elevated Bilirubin Levels?

My husband s bilirubin level was slightly elevated. Our PCP recommended he stay off pravachol for six weeks, then repeat the level. He has been on the pravachol for 18 years and his lipids have been excellent. What is, if any, the relationship between statins and bilirubin? Thank you for your response.
Wed, 25 Apr 2018
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

Suggestive of Pravachol induced liver injury.

Pravachol (Pravastatin) is an effective cholesterol lowering medicine.

Its most common side effects include stomach upset, headache, and myopathy (muscle pain, weakness or tenderness). It can also cause liver injury resulting in elevated bilirubin and liver enzymes levels.

By discontinuing Pravachol, the bilirubin level will return to its normal value.

Your husband should take an alternate effective but a safer medicine to lower his high blood cholesterol by his treating doctor.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali
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What Causes Elevated Bilirubin Levels?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. Suggestive of Pravachol induced liver injury. Pravachol (Pravastatin) is an effective cholesterol lowering medicine. Its most common side effects include stomach upset, headache, and myopathy (muscle pain, weakness or tenderness). It can also cause liver injury resulting in elevated bilirubin and liver enzymes levels. By discontinuing Pravachol, the bilirubin level will return to its normal value. Your husband should take an alternate effective but a safer medicine to lower his high blood cholesterol by his treating doctor. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali