Liver function on Riluzole

[GaryM]

I've just got my first blood test results from the GP since starting Riluzole just over a month ago. The GP said my liver is 'irritated'. I've asked for the results to be sent to the consultant, whose advice I will seek as to whether this is significant or not, but has anyone experienced anything similar? GP wants to repeat blood test and do an ultrasound scan.

[Doug Carpenter]

Yes.

ALT level elevated initially and then settled.

My consultant was less concerned than GP.
He said that up to a threefold spike would be ok.

Liver ok after three years.

Doug

[Jeanette Pearce]

I am concerned about the effects of Riluzole on the liver and thought I should take antioxidants...

[denise]

Ok how do you know that the liver is unhappy?

[denise]

No one answered so I looked it up. Alcohol can do this! Can I read something into this? 😄😉

[GaryM]

Yes.

ALT level elevated initially and then settled.

My consultant was less concerned than GP.
He said that up to a threefold spike would be ok.

Liver ok after three years.

Doug

Thanks Doug Carpenter. That's just the sort of info I was looking for. I thought maybe I would have to stop taking it, but I'll see what the consultant says.

[GaryM]

Jeanette Pearce. I used to try and eat a good diet, but this illness has turned it upside down. I started losing weight (very common with MND) and the dietician told me to concentrate on high calorie foods that were easy to eat and digest. My BMI has always been around 20. So, although we still eat healthy foods I've also added a lot more cake and cream. Feels very odd.

[GaryM]

Ok how do you know that the liver is unhappy?

The GP looked at the blood results and interpreted them that way. I suppose she was putting them in layman's terms.

[Ellie]

Yes Gary, it can take 6 months of monthly LFTs (Liver Function Tests) to know how the liver enzyme ALT is reacting to Riluzole, thereafter monitoring is ongoing but less frequent.

The figure of 3% is bandied around for the percentage of people who exceed the 3x spike in ALT, that Doug mentioned, and 10-15% of people taking it experience some enzyme elevation.

You definitely did the right thing in asking your Neuro, who'd be more used to interpreting LFTs in conjunction with Riluzole taking.

Good luck.

Love Ellie.

[Doug Carpenter]

You're welcome Gary. Glad it helped. Good luck!

Don't worry. Cream is the new lettuce.

Doug

[GaryM]

Thanks Ellie, I knew you'd be along shortly to provide more detail. You're definitely the 'fount of all MND knowledge'.

[Shaun]

Hi Gary you would normally have a few blood tests to get an idea if it’s causing a problem, as Doug said it could just be settling

[Guy]

Yes, my LFT results have had a few ups and downs but all still fine after almost three and a half years. As others say MND consultants are much more relaxed about this than GPs. Worth knowing that there are other things that can cause spikes - I had a minor infection after having my PEG fitted and the hospital treated it with a high dose of antibiotics (amoxycillin). My LFT results spiked v impressively and well over the threefold guidance level. Came down nicely though when I stopped the antibiotics.

[matthew55]

I wouldn't worry unless you notice your skin turning yellow. 👍

[GaryM]

I wouldn't worry unless you notice your skin turning yellow. 👍

I'll warn my wife to look out for it.