Taking Simvastatin for elevated cholesterol. Have diabetes type 2. Medication causing elevated liver enzymes?
Patient: I was dx with elevated cholesterol and placed on simvastatin. About six months later my liver enzymes were and still are climbing, and I have been dx'ed with diabetes type two. Could this medication cause such sx?  Along with these problems, i keep having urinary infections, dry and peeling skin that does not respond well to moisturizers. If I eat, my blood sugar goes up, but falls quickly and causes clammy sweats and nervousness. Anything I should do ? I went to the ER because of pain in mt back and anxiety like nervousness with rapid heartrate. They said it was because my serum potassium was low and prescribed 500 mg of pot,chloride bid. Last labwork one month ago shows my K levels normal, but liver enzymes still climbing. I don't know what to do because my Dr. Keeps saying he is going to research my problem, but I have not heard from him. Doctor: Hello,Statins like SIMVASTATIN is known to cause elevation of liver enzymes.It rarely causes problem to the patient or liver damage.Although you have not mentioned the levels of your liver nzymes,It is very rare that drug has to be withdrawn because of liver toxicity.Mild elevations are ignored but if the values are above 10 times of normal upper value or if patient develops symptoms,the drug is withdrawn.Either a different statin like pravastatin or fluvastatin is given or a entirely different drug belonging to other class like EZETIMIBE can be given.Other most important factor is the control of your diabetes.An uncontrolled diabetes can also result in high liver enzymes.Stop your SIMVASTATIN and see th response in next 1 month.If liver enzymes become normal,then we know the culprit and can think of starting EZETIMIBE.Keep control of your sugar level by medications,appropriate diet and regular aerobic exercises.I hope it helpsThanks