Learn how to protect your liver!

The liver is one of the essential organs in your body, and it has the role of filtering your blood, and it also aids in the digestion process. Considering all of this, it is easy to notice that your liver is always on the clock, making sure your body is functioning properly.

But with all of this hard work, it is expected that there are some things that can damage this organ, and the worst part is that many of them are common medications that we all use on a day-to-day basis. This is why it is so important to follow the instructions your doctor gives you.

This condition is known as drug-induced liver injury. Most drugs are safe to take if you take them as directed, but seniors are more predisposed to risks. This is why it is so important to recognize the early signs and know when it is time to have a talk with your doctor.

Also, when you are over 65, there is a high chance that you take multiple medications, and as a result, you might encounter more side effects. According to statistics, more than 40% of seniors take five or more prescription drugs at once. This can cause a lot of stress damage to the liver.

Keep reading and find out more about these common drugs that can actually destroy your liver if you are not careful with them.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

These are medications that are generally used to reduce pain and inflammation, and they are also effective when you want to reduce a fever. They are one of the most common OTC medications, and people usually take them for problems like headaches, muscle pain, arthritis, or minor injuries.

Now, NSAIDs are a safe choice when you use them correctly, but taking them for a prolonged time can really damage your liver. This organ is the one that processes all the meds that you take, and when you exceed the recommended dosage, you are forcing it to work overtime.

The key is to respect the instructions, and taking the lowest effective dose for the shortest time possible can help minimize strain on the liver. Also, alcohol should be avoided at all costs when you are taking NSAIDs since it stresses the liver and makes it less efficient.

Acetaminophen

Another type of drug that is available over the counter and people take for pain relief and fever reduction is acetaminophen. Again, if you take it as prescribed, it is safe, but if you consume it in excessive amounts, your liver will have a really bad time.

This organ has the role of metabolizing any meds that you take, which means it breaks them down into substances your body can easily eliminate. Make sure you always read the labels on your cold and flu medications, as most of them contain acetaminophen. This can help you avoid taking these medications and then taking acetaminophen.

The manufacturer’s recommended daily dosage for adults is 3,250 milligrams (mg). However, some physicians may approve up to 4,000 milligrams per day. Also, keep in mind that if you are regularly consuming alcohol, the risk of side effects is even higher.

Amoxicillin-clavulanate

This is probably the most prescribed antibiotic out there, and your doctor can give it to you for anything from a tooth extraction to a bad cold or a UTI. Though it is known to be effective and well-tolerated, some individuals might experience liver problems after using it.

What is interesting and different compared to other medications is that amoxicillin-clavulanate does not cause direct toxicity but is linked to an immune-related reaction to one of its main ingredients, clavulanate.

The side effects might appear within days or even weeks after starting treatment, and sometimes the effects will appear after you stop taking the medication. If you need to take amoxicillin-clavulanate for a prolonged period of time, the chances of liver-related problems increase.

If you want to prevent damage, it is ok to be able to recognize the early signs. Signs such as yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), extreme fatigue, nausea, or dark-colored urine can be a clear indicator that your body has a hard time processing the medication that you take. If you notice any of these signs, make sure you are rapidly letting your doctor know about it.

Antifungal medications

This type of medication is used to treat infections that are triggered by fungi. The most affected parts of your body affected by these infections are your skin, nails, and lungs. It is well-known that they are very effective in combating fungal infections, but sometimes because of high dosage or various intolerances, your liver might suffer damage.

The good thing is that antifungal medication is generally prescribed for short-term use, and this greatly reduces the risk of complications. However, for some individuals, antifungal meds can cause mild to moderate increases in liver enzyme levels. Once the treatment is stopped, the enzymes will get back to normal levels.

Statins

This is a group of prescription medications that doctors recommend to those who need to reduce their cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. They are indeed well tolerated and effective in managing cardiovascular health, but statins still come with some side effects.

Most people can take statins without any significant issues, but these meds can still increase some of the liver enzymes, particularly aminotransferase (ALT). This enzyme is so important because it’s one of the main indicators of liver health.

If the increased level of the enzyme is moderate, you don’t have to worry, and the medication should not be stopped. In rare cases, the enzyme level could be too high, and this can lead to various complications. This is why it is important to talk with your doctor and let them monitor you.

Blood tests may be requested to monitor liver function during statin medication; however, this is not mandatory for everyone. If substantial variations in enzyme levels are discovered, your doctor may modify the dosage or switch drugs.

Amiodarone

This is a medication that is prescribed to those who suffer from arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). All of the studies have shown that these meds are highly effective in taking care of this condition, but this doesn’t mean they come without risks.

It is important to be aware that the liver toxicity caused by Amiodarone is very rare, affecting only 1% of individuals taking it each year. Again, the biggest indicator is the increase in liver enzymes. These tell us that your liver is stressed or damaged.

Sometimes prolonged use can lead to serious side effects such as liver failure, and this is why the FDA has issued a boxed warning to alert healthcare providers and patients about the potential risks associated with amiodarone.

To reduce the possibility of liver damage, liver function should be monitored on several occasions during treatment. Medical professionals usually determine liver enzyme levels prior to starting the medication and at regular intervals during its administration.

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