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Can taking too much medication damage the Liver?

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Carina1962

Well-Known Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
I am a bit worried as to whether taking too many tablets can damage the liver. At the moment I take Metformin, Atorvastatin for cholesterol, one tablet for blood pressure, Lansaprazole for gastric reflux. I do hope one day to be able to wean myself off most of these tablets but I don't really like taking this many :-(
 
I'd suggest getting a medication review at your local pharmacy, they would be best placed to tell you of any possible problems with (in particular) medication interactions. 🙂 I know how you feel - when I was diagnosed I ended up on 11 different meds, plus 2 insulins. Now I'm just on 1 (BP, which I could probably drop), plus 1 insulin 🙂
 
Some drugs are excreted through kidneys, others through liver. So, it depends. If you look at each patient information leaflet, if you see something about monitoring liver function or advising caution in cases of liver disease, then it's possible.

The best way to check your situation is to have a medication review with a pharmacist - they're the experts in medication use. Most shops have private cubicles, so you won't be overheard.
 
When I have my usual 6 monthly diabetic review, part of the blood tests are for liver and kidneys and so far they have come back OK. I'm sure if there was anything to worry about it would be picked up. As I said I do hope to cut most of them down one day.
 
I would suggest you discuss cutting down doses with whoever prescribes your medication, rather than just going ahead, Carina82.

As you say your liver function is checked 6 monthly, then that's good. Liver damage from using medication at prescribed doses doesn't usually appear in days or weeks.
 
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