What Causes Rasied GGT Level?

Posted on Wed, 2 Jul 2014

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

Wed, 2 Jul 2014 Answered on

Sat, 19 Jul 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : My GGT level has increased from 111 to 152 in one month, All other liver panels tests including hep a,b, and c, glucose, pancreas, alt, AST, bilirubin, etc are normal. I don't drink except for a margararita a couple times a year. I take BP meds only 5mg so a small dosage, omeprezole and Meloxicam. I have no symptoms. We caught the GGT level purely by accident (insurance blood test). What could be happening here? Can any of my current meds effect the GGT level? Thoughts? I am totally XXXXXXX by this. In terms of elevation, is this number concerning?

Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Detailed below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Thank you for the query.

First of all please do not be worried of such result. This is only slightly elevated liver test. In case of liver disease this test is around 1000.
From your medicines Meloxicam is the one which can cause liver cells destruction and give such GGT result. Other possible factors are fatty foods, spicy foods.
So if it is possible, try to avoid Meloxicam intake.
Next liver test should be done after about a month (month is a approximate liver regeneration time).

Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (10 minutes later)

Glad to hear that the number is not excessive. What could I substitute for the Meloxicam that could be helpful (OTC)? I need something for arthritis in the knees. I only take the omeprazole bc of the Meloxicam is hard on the stomach. If I stop the Meloxicam may I stop the omeprazole too? I try to eat very healthy and exercise regularly so if it is possible to stop 2 meds I am up for that.

Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
.

Detailed Answer:
Arthritis pain is a difficult problem. It needs severe medicines intake. You may try to replace Meloxicam to Diclophenac, Ibuprophen or Naproxen. Unfortunately this medicines belong to the same as Meloxicam group called NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). All of them need Omeprasole intake as a stomach protection. Meloxicam has a different mechanism of action, so other mentioned medicines can be less harmful to the liver.
But you need to try and see if it helps with your pain.

Hope this will help.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (8 minutes later)

Thank you. Is Tylenol part of this same NSAID group? Does it have a negative effect on the stomach as well? If I am able to take Tylenol instead, do I still need the stomach protection? My preference would be to take the best OTC pain reliever with the fewest of possible complications to the liver and stomach at this point. I am suppose to retest the GGT level in 2 weeks and will do whatever takes to get the number closer to normal. Any other suggestions?

Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
.

Detailed Answer:
Tylenol is the best one. It does not belong to that group and for sure it causes less side effects. No stomach protection is necessary with it. However high dosages (like 4000 mgs per 24 hours) can be harmful to the liver. But up to 2000 mgs is fine.
So if it works for you, this would be the best choice.
GGT retest in 2 weeks can be to early and GGT can be still high. So I suggest you to wait at least a month with retesting.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar