Hi everyone So I had my first liver function blood test today after 4 weeks of avonex injections. The results were: ALT/SGPT 198 AST/SGOT 148 The doctor said it’s nearly five times higher than normal and I have to stop the avonex and the nexium I’ve been taking for reflux for 10 days. Then have another blood test and if it’s normal I can start the avonex again for two weeks then repeat the blood test to see if it’s elevated again. My doc thinks it’s more than likely the nexium that caused it but I’ve read that it can happen with avonex too. Any thoughts? Thanks so much, Zoe
UPDATE So my neuro finally looked at the first liver function panel I had done before I started the Avonex and my husband and I were horrified to see that the results were even higher than the one I just had done. ALT: 237 AST:157 My gastroenterologist thinks I may have autoimmune hepatitis. Had ultrasound today and blood tests, get results next week. Anyone else have more than one autoimmune desease? I never was sure about the first neurologist I had and now knowing that those results were not looked at for one month I am changing to the neurologist I went to for a second opinion. Zoe
hi Zoe,
I’m sorry to hear about your health issues (as if MS itself wasn’t enough).
All interferons can cause elevated liver enzymes and although it is considered an ‘uncommon’ side effect, it’s still possible.
On another MS forum I read that if you have an autoimmune disease, the risk of developing another one is bigger than usually. In other words, our immune systems are screwed up and it is more likely that apart from our CNS, they may attack something else.
take care xx
AlexL4. Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately it’s going to be more than likely autoimmune hep or something else as my levels were elevated before I started the avonex. I also read that having two or more autoimmune deseases is a possibility. The wait is agony, but I’ll update again next Monday. Thanks Zoe
hi Zoe,
I hope all results will be fine and it won’t be hepatitis in the end.
I’m waiting for you update.
positive thoughts xx
UPDATE Hi everyone Good news for me. All the hepatitis tests came back negative. My liver enzymes are nearly back to normal and I have just started my avonex shots again after about a month break. I was also off all meds and alcohol. I actually feel pretty good having given up drinking so I’m trying to stick with it. My doctors seem to think that the enzymes were elevated due to meds I had in February for a small surgery under general anesthesia. So I’m very relieved and happy to move on with a clear, alcohol free head
Oh, and I have chosen to stick with my second neuro and he says I have CIS not RRMS so I guess that’s another positive!