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What Causes Elevated Bilirubin Levels After Having Metformin?

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Posted on Fri, 16 Jan 2015
Question: Hi , I am diabetic and have been taking metformin for last 9months ( 500mg x 2 ) daily. I just checked my liver profile and my bilirubin levels are high. Total -2.3 direct -0.4 and indirect 1.9. I am going to travel for next 2 weeks before I can visit a physician . What precautions should I take?
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Answered by Dr. Ajish TP (29 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Avoid medications that affect liver

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX,

Welcome to HCM. I have gone through your question and understand your concerns

Please upload the liver function report.
How are your liver enzymes (SGOT and SGPT)?

Around 5% of people can have a condition called Gilbert's syndrome in which total bilirubin and indirect bilirubin are elevated with normal liver enzymes. This is a genetic condition. Gilbert's syndrome is harmless and usually no treatment is needed.

Avoid drugs like analgesics that affect liver function and alcohol.

Hope I have answered your questions. If you have any further queries I will be happy to help you.

Regards,

Dr Ajish TP [MD,DM]
Consultant Endocrinologist
Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
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Dr. Ajish TP

Endocrinologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 819 Questions

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What Causes Elevated Bilirubin Levels After Having Metformin?

Brief Answer: Avoid medications that affect liver Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXXXX, Welcome to HCM. I have gone through your question and understand your concerns Please upload the liver function report. How are your liver enzymes (SGOT and SGPT)? Around 5% of people can have a condition called Gilbert's syndrome in which total bilirubin and indirect bilirubin are elevated with normal liver enzymes. This is a genetic condition. Gilbert's syndrome is harmless and usually no treatment is needed. Avoid drugs like analgesics that affect liver function and alcohol. Hope I have answered your questions. If you have any further queries I will be happy to help you. Regards, Dr Ajish TP [MD,DM] Consultant Endocrinologist