[Kitty]

I just had a bunch of blood work done and the doctors office called me with the results yesterday afternoon.

I have marginally elevated liver enzymes which they said was typical of someone on Betaseron. I asked the nurse what I needed to do in order to bring them down and she said nothing. She said this was normal for someone on an Interferon.

I asked what long term negative effects this would have on me and she said there should be none. I tend to think this is not true.....I mean why would they test for elevation if it wasn't a concern?

I'm wondering if the long term effects of this drug negatively outweigh the positive effects of it. My health benefits will terminate at the end of this year so I'm looking at the possibility of not being able to afford the drug for at least a couple of years until Medicare takes effect. Just wondering if I should maybe stop now and see what happens?

I've asked the question to my Neuro several times about the elevated enzymes and he seems totally unconcerned about it. Maybe I should just stop worrying about it?

[brandonwall]

My enzyne levels are up as well. I was told if they are up a little there fine, but when they go real high a problem could occour. Thats why they check mine once a month. Mine balanced out after 6 months on beta. They are 100% normal now.

Originally Posted by herekitty1960

I just had a bunch of blood work done and the doctors office called me with the results yesterday afternoon.

I have marginally elevated liver enzymes which they said was typical of someone on Betaseron. I asked the nurse what I needed to do in order to bring them down and she said nothing. She said this was normal for someone on an Interferon.

I asked what long term negative effects this would have on me and she said there should be none. I tend to think this is not true.....I mean why would they test for elevation if it wasn't a concern?

I'm wondering if the long term effects of this drug negatively outweigh the positive effects of it. My health benefits will terminate at the end of this year so I'm looking at the possibility of not being able to afford the drug for at least a couple of years until Medicare takes effect. Just wondering if I should maybe stop now and see what happens?

I've asked the question to my Neuro several times about the elevated enzymes and he seems totally unconcerned about it. Maybe I should just stop worrying about it?

[SandyC]

I am obviously not on an interferon but I take cholesterol meds that make my liver show up elevated at times. So far it's not an issue with the doctor. I feel your concern though as I too started thinking about the long term damage. Jim's enzymes are normal so far on Beta. He recently took a week off because he was sick with the UTI. It was nice to not have to think about it. lol

[greta]

There's a difference between marginally elevated and something to be worried about. They can be marginally elevated if you drink alcohol or take OTC pain meds too. Mine have always been slightly higher than normal. Not enough over the limit to worry about.

I remember reading elsewhere about someone who took milk thistle because it was supposed to be helpful for the liver. I've never looked into it, but it might be an option if you're concerned.