Comments for consumers
This page/column contains information which may be of interest to consumers. The information is based on articles which appear in Australian Prescriber. As Australian Prescriber is written for health professionals, you should discuss any issues raised by this page/column with your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to give a more detailed answer to your questions by reading the main article.
Australian Prescriber is unable to comment on individual cases or give second opinions.
Australian Prescriber Vol. 32 No. 2 2009
Medicines and liver disease
Many medicines are broken down in the body by the liver. This depends on how healthy the liver is. If a person's liver is not working properly, they may not be able to inactivate and eliminate a medicine they have taken. This could increase the risk of side effects.
Some medicines should not be given to people with liver disease. Other medicines may need to be given at a lower dose or taken less often.
