Drug-Induced Liver Disease, Causes, Signs and Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment.

. Chapters 0:00 Introduction 1:41 Causes of Drug-Induced Liver Disease 2:52 Symptoms of Drug-Induced Liver Disease 3:12 Diagnosis of Drug-Induced Liver Disease 3:48 Treatment of Drug-Induced Liver Disease Drug-induced liver diseases are diseases of the liver that can develop following the use of certain drugs – physician-prescribed medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbs, and illicit drugs, as well as environmental toxins. • The liver is the largest solid organ in the body and has many essential body functions including: • The production of protein important for blood clotting, transporting oxygen, and helping the immune system. • Helping the body store sugar in the form of glycogen • Breaking down saturated fat and producing cholesterol • Getting rid of harmful substance in the bloodstream, including drugs and alcohol • Storing excess nutrients and returning some to the bloodstream • When drugs injure the liver and slow down its ability to function properly, symptoms and signs of liver disease may develop. • Abnormalities of drug-induced liver diseases are similar to those of liver diseases caused by other agents such as immunologic diseases and viruses. Drugs and chemical can cause a wide range of injury in the liver, such as: • Cirrhosis • Blood clots in the vein of the liver • Necrosis • Steatosis (fat accumulation in the liver) • Cholestasis (decreased secretion and/or flow of bile) • Hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) • Mild elevations in blood levels of liver enzymes CAUSES Medication (over-the-counter and prescription) that have been associated with drug-induced liver disease includes: • Acetaminophen • Aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium when taken excessively or taken with alcohol • NSAIDs • Steroids • Anti-viral drugs for HIV infection • Steroids • Arthritis drug like methotrexate • Antifungal drugs • Niacin • Antibiotics such as erythromycin • Statin • Vitamins A • Oral contraceptive pills Chemotherapy Herbal supplements that contain Aloe Vera, cascara, comfrey, or kava Chemical and solvents Factors that may put you at a higher risk of having the infection include: • A previous history of liver disease • Old age • A gene mutation that affects the way liver works • Working in a job that uses industrial chemicals which may be toxic • Taking alcohol alongside some medications or supplements