Does Humira Injections Along With Asacol Cause Elevated ALT Levels?

Posted on Mon, 27 Jan 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 27 Jan 2014 Answered on

Sat, 15 Feb 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have had an on going issue for the last 2 years with an elevated alt level. I am a male and 32 years of age. I also have crohn's disease and take weekly humira injections along with asacol. 2 years ago this all started. On my routine lab it was noted that my alt level had increased from 32 to 53 and my ast from 20 to 35. My doctor was not concerned however my alt continued to rise up into the 80's and then eventually settled down into the low 40's. My ast settled down in the 20's'and have remained there. During this time I had a liver ultrasound which showed a normal liver with no fatty infiltration. Also all blood work for the other liver issue viruses and conditions came back normal. now a year later the alt is back up over 50. The ast has remained the same. I my doctor doubts it's the humira or asacol doing this but i can't think of anything else that it could be.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (4 hours later)

Brief Answer: Asacor use causing high transaminases... Detailed Answer: Hi, I have read your medical history and feel sorry for the situation you are in. Fortunately, your blood work did come out normal, without any other problem with liver issue viruses. The high alt and ast you are facing could be related to using asacor. Once the medication is stopped, the transaminases levels will be back to normal again. Because you need to take asacor for Crohn's disease, I strongly suggest to consult with your GI specialist about changing the dose of asacor. At the end, as long as your blood work resulted normal, the high TA seem to be related to asacor use. Again, once you will stop it, the TA will be back to normal again. Thank you! Dr.Klerida

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj