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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Elevated ALT And AST Levels While On Welchol?

I have Welchol (colesevelam HCI) for several years. Recently I am starting feeling uncomfort in my stomach including constipation. I checked my blood and found that my ALT (SGPT 78 U/L) and AST (SGOT 46 U/L) are high. Is it possible that the increase of ALT and AST are due to Welchol?
Thu, 28 Jan 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for posting in HCM.
Welchol contains colesevelam, which is a bile acid sequestrant. It works in the bowel to help remove bile acids from the body. It is used for reducing high cholesterol levels.
From the values you have put forth, ALT levels seems to be high and AST level is just borderline high. The raise could be due to intake of high fatty diet or due to consumption of alcohol.
Pain or cramping in the abdomen or stomach, stomach discomfort and stomach upset are few of the common side effects associated with its use.
However, it is not known to not affect the liver functioning and raising the enzyme levels. Probably, the ALT levels have been increased due to mild liver dysfunction due to cholestasis (slow movement or stagnation of bile secretion).
Kindly check your liver function once again after a month and consult Physician for proper assessment and management.
Hope the information provided would be helpful.
All the best.
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What Causes Elevated ALT And AST Levels While On Welchol?

Hi, Thanks for posting in HCM. Welchol contains colesevelam, which is a bile acid sequestrant. It works in the bowel to help remove bile acids from the body. It is used for reducing high cholesterol levels. From the values you have put forth, ALT levels seems to be high and AST level is just borderline high. The raise could be due to intake of high fatty diet or due to consumption of alcohol. Pain or cramping in the abdomen or stomach, stomach discomfort and stomach upset are few of the common side effects associated with its use. However, it is not known to not affect the liver functioning and raising the enzyme levels. Probably, the ALT levels have been increased due to mild liver dysfunction due to cholestasis (slow movement or stagnation of bile secretion). Kindly check your liver function once again after a month and consult Physician for proper assessment and management. Hope the information provided would be helpful. All the best.