[LindaO]

Disappointing liver (ALT) test result

by LindaO on Wed Nov 20, 2013 11:31 am

Hi All,

Had my 3 month doctor visit yesterday & am doing okay. However, my ALT number was high, 124 (6-29 normal). This has never happened before in my 3 1/2 years since my multiple myeloma diagnosis. My doctor wants me to have another blood test this week to retest. I understand that this number concerns the liver.

Of course, I am freaking out over this, thinking I have liver damage or something worse.

I have been on Revlimid since diagnosis, first 25mg & 15mg for the 18 mos. I wonder if the Revlimid is causing the problem or my quarterly infusion of Zometa.

I know I should just sit tight & wait for the next test result, but I'm wondering if anyone might have some insight as to what might be happening here.

Thank you for this forum, it's such a great resource for multiple myeloma patients!

Linda

[Christa's Mom]

Re: Disappointing liver (ALT) test result

by Christa's Mom on Wed Nov 20, 2013 4:09 pm

Hi LindaO,

EJ (has multiple myeloma) and I (no multiple myeloma) both came up with high ALT numbers at our annual physicals in the past few years. I understand that the high readings can be caused by a number of things, including over the counter cold medicines. I'm sure mine was, as the test was done right in the middle of allergy season. EJs may have been, too, I don't remember, but it was back to normal by the time he was retested.

Good luck!

Lyn

[LindaO]

Re: Disappointing liver (ALT) test result

by LindaO on Wed Nov 20, 2013 8:28 pm

Thanks for the reply, Lyn. I do remember that I have been taking more vitamins & more Advil than usual (for back pain). Maybe the combination of these things is causing the problem. I had another blood test today & hope the the results will be better than before.
Linda

[Multibilly]

Re: Disappointing liver (ALT) test result

by Multibilly on Wed Nov 20, 2013 9:06 pm

One of the first things my oncologist told me regarding taking care of myself with multiple myeloma was to only take NSAIDs like Advil very sparingly. I forgot the exact reason for him recommending this, but I believe it was to go easy on my kidneys since they are working overtime with the multiple myeloma.

A lot of things can cause abnormal ALT levels, including Advil usage:

http://www.hcvanonymous.com/SMF/index.php?topic=2495.0;wap2

[lys2012]

Re: Disappointing liver (ALT) test result

by lys2012 on Thu Nov 21, 2013 10:23 am

I had my liver enzymes go up during my treatment (Vel Cy Dex and all the other supportive drugs). One week I skipped a Velcade dose and the lowered the doses of things. My number balanced out once I was not doing treatment anymore.

Advil and Nsaids are hard on the Kidneys, and I believe tylenol and cold meds etc are hard on the liver?

I was also told not to take advil or nsaids. I do take them sparingly if I have a Migraine though as that is the only thing that works.

[Dr. Jason Valent]

Re: Disappointing liver (ALT) test result

by Dr. Jason Valent on Thu Nov 21, 2013 1:00 pm

This would not be from Revlimid. I would agree that repeating the test is the first step.