HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Advised No Blood Tests For Liver Function Unless Having Adverse Reactions To Crestor. Suggestions?

Hello... I am taking a low dose of Crestor 5mgs . My doctor told me that it was not necessary to have liver function or other blood tests every 6 months as long as I don t have any symptoms of adverse reactions( which I don t). Is that ok? I was always under the impression that these semi- annual blood tests were necessary , thanks.
Fri, 10 Aug 2012
Report Abuse
Endocrinologist,  's  Response
Hi mutzel,
Welcome to healthcaremagic.com

Currently experts believe that liver injury due to statins is not as serious as it was thought to be earlier. A dose-related rise in serum aminotransferase levels develops in 1% to 3% of people who take statins (Crestor is Rosuastatin- a statin). A minor (less than two-fold normal) rise in the serum ALT and AST levels (without symptoms) is the most common manifestation of liver injury with these compounds. These elevations usually reverse rapidly with discontinuation of the statin and also reverse if therapy is not interrupted.

The US Food and Drug Administration labeling information includes liver function testing before and at 12 weeks following the initiation of statins, and at any elevation of dose and periodically thereafter. This recommendation is based upon expert opinion, and many authorities do not feel that routine monitoring of liver function is necessary except to identify and then monitor patients with preexisting liver disease or who are receiving concomitant medications with a potential for drug interactions.

Hence the opinion on this is divided. However most patients in my clinical experience have very little liver effect because of statins and hence my opinion is that going for repeated testing of liver function is not required.

I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Liver


Loading Online Doctors....
Advised No Blood Tests For Liver Function Unless Having Adverse Reactions To Crestor. Suggestions?

Hi mutzel, Welcome to healthcaremagic.com Currently experts believe that liver injury due to statins is not as serious as it was thought to be earlier. A dose-related rise in serum aminotransferase levels develops in 1% to 3% of people who take statins (Crestor is Rosuastatin- a statin). A minor (less than two-fold normal) rise in the serum ALT and AST levels (without symptoms) is the most common manifestation of liver injury with these compounds. These elevations usually reverse rapidly with discontinuation of the statin and also reverse if therapy is not interrupted. The US Food and Drug Administration labeling information includes liver function testing before and at 12 weeks following the initiation of statins, and at any elevation of dose and periodically thereafter. This recommendation is based upon expert opinion, and many authorities do not feel that routine monitoring of liver function is necessary except to identify and then monitor patients with preexisting liver disease or who are receiving concomitant medications with a potential for drug interactions. Hence the opinion on this is divided. However most patients in my clinical experience have very little liver effect because of statins and hence my opinion is that going for repeated testing of liver function is not required.