ALAT and ASAT increased after Interferon start

[chemister]

After 1 week my ALAT and ASAT increased to 148 and 228 and before start they was about normal, only little increased like it have been the last 20 years. I have genotype 1 and 2 and have used pegasys and Copegus (Roche) in 3 weeks no.
It that anybody which have the same way, or is that normal?

[JennyPenny]

You might have a normal illness. But sometimes the effects of treatment are cumulative and you feel worse as time goes on. Everyone's "journey" is so different. Nothing surprises those of us who have been treated. I hope you feel better soon.

[chemister]

Ok. I had the virus in 20-27 years, but when my liver was been scanned, I had any fibroses. The pegylated interferon 2a seems to be the best Interferon like pegasys?
I don’t understand why I felt good the first 2 weeks after treatment start, and then I have been very bad for 3 days now. My son has some flu or another illness so maybe I have a normal illness.

Thanks to all :)

[JennyPenny]

I did do treatment quite  few times. I have never cleared the virus so every time a new treatment was approved I tried it. However, I'm sure you will have better luck. I have severe liver damage and have had the virus since 1966. That's a very long time.

What actually happens is that the molecule in pegylated interferon 2a is heavy and the distribution of the interferon accumulates in the liver. This usually doesn't happen with Peginterferon 2b as it has a lower molecular weight. Your body will get used to it and it will sort itself out eventually. As long as your doctor is aware of it happening and is not concerned you can relax about it. You'll be ok.

[mpace6983]

The interferon/ribavirin treatment will probably make you feel bad. fatigue,body aches,flu-like symptoms. thats normal. but these liver enzymes. Hopefully they will come back down. Interferon is a protein that your immune produces to fight off a viral infection(the flu for example) the flu virus is not what makes you feel bad, its your bodys reaction to the interferon. Thats why some people feel bad when they are first infected with HCV. But for some reason your immune system stops fighting the virus. Thats where the interferon inj come in. Some people can get infected with HCV and their body will fight it off and kill it. no treatment nothing! Be nice,wouldn't it? Just remember, you will read lots of stories on this forum and just because something effects someone a certain way doesn't mean that it will effect you the same way(but it doesn't mean it wont either) talk with your doc about everything. he knows your case better than anyone.  Hang in there!!

[chemister]

My nurse calls me today and tells me about the liver enzymes and she had not talked to the doctor yet. I maybe mix the ALAT and ASAT, over the phone so ASAT is 148 and ALAT is 228. I take 400 mg ibuprofen, but never take paracetamol (Tylenol in the USA)
1 week the doctor gives me 800 mg Ribavirin in the morning and 800 mg in the evening, but regulate that to 400 mg in the morning and 800 mg in the evening week 2, and Peg.Inteferon 180 µg.
The last 3 days I feel bad, but the first 2 week at the treatment I feel me great.

JennyPenny, do you start the treatment several times?

[mpace6983]

The AST and ALT enzymes are contained in the liver. There is some normal leaking into the bloodstream.This is the range that is on your lab results,ALT 9-60 U/L  AST 10-35 U/L. If your bloodwork shows readings that are higher than this, It doesn't mean that you have higher enzymes in your liver. It means that you have more of the enzymes in your blood. This means that your liver is damaged and is leaking enzymes into your blood faster than just normal leakage. Now this can be temporary. If you go out and "tie one on" your liver will become inflammed and you blood enzyme level will go up. But, if you dont drink anymore for a few days the swelling and inflamation will return to normal,and you amount of enzymes will also come back down.But if you keep drinking your liver will stay swollen and the amount of enzymes will stay elevated and get higher. Now what I dont understand about people saying that its common for your blood enzyme level to shoot up and then come back down. I mean,why? Why would they come back down if you continue to take whatever it was that caused them to go up in the first place? If someone can explain this to me,I will have learned something new. GOOD LUCK

[mpace6983]

I guess the TX affects everyone differently. My enzymes never went up anywhere near that high. Just because someone elses went way up and then normalized everytime they went on treatment doesn't necessarly mean your's will. (hopefully you wont have to go thru treatment multiple times) But, it doesn't mean they wont normalize either. But I wouldn't just "blow it off". If you havent already, I would be sure to speak to your doc about it on your next visit. Liver enzymes 2x normal limit is something that should be addressed.

[dhksaife]

I had ALT 175 U/L before started pegasys + ribavirin therapy.
After 2 weeks it was 295 U/L

After 6 weeks it was gradually decreased.
Hope nothing to be worried about it.

[JennyPenny]

This is common and usually nothing to worry about. They should normalize soon. It happened to me every time I went on treatment.

[mpace6983]

Your not drinking or taking any meds(even tylenol or ibuprofen) or anything your doc's not aware of are you? The upper normal level for AST is 35 U/L. ALT is 60 U/L. What did your doc say? My ALT was 79 U/L and my Gastro asked me about booze, tylenol stuff like that,not overly concerned but still made a point to ask about it. but 148 and 228...,I don't know. I'm assuming the ALT is 228, its unusual for your AST to be higher than your ALT. Bro. I would sure get some answers,next DR. appt. Sounds like your not tolerating the meds too well. Good Luck

[chemister]

Ok, that’s fine to hear that is happened to another people. I have never had so high liver enzyme levels.

[Marcia2202]

This was not my personal experience, but if I remember correctly, this has happened to several people.

Sorry I cannot be of further help.