Lofibra and Liver Problems: An Overview
As with any medication, there are a number of possible side effects that can occur while taking
Lofibra® (
fenofibrate), including possible problems with the liver. For people taking Lofibra, liver problems can include an increase in liver enzymes and fatty change in the liver.
Increases in liver enzymes occur in up to 13 percent of people taking Lofibra. Fatty deposits in the liver occur in less than 1 percent of people. Given the rarity of fatty deposits, it is difficult to tell whether the side effect is caused by the medication itself or by something else.
Lofibra and Liver Problems: High Liver Enzymes
Liver enzymes are usually measured to see if a person has liver damage. They do not measure how well the liver is working. A number of things can increase liver enzymes, including certain medicines (such as antibiotics or certain anti-inflammatory medicines), alcohol, infections (such as
mononucleosis or
viral hepatitis), obesity, and
diabetes.
Lofibra is known to increase liver enzyme levels. This increase in liver enzymes, however, except in very rare cases, does not cause any symptoms. Despite this, your doctor will measure your liver enzyme levels prior to you starting Lofibra and then again several months after you start. He or she will also measure your liver enzyme levels if your
Lofibra dosage is increased.
If your liver enzymes are high, your doctor may continue to test them on a more frequent basis. If they remain high, your doctor may recommend lowering the dose of Lofibra or switching to another
cholesterol medication. When Lofibra is stopped, the liver enzymes, in most cases, return to the pre-Lofibra levels.
