Can Lyrica (pregabalin) cause elevated liver enzymes?
Lyrica (pregabalin) can cause abnormal liver-related lab results, including elevated liver enzymes, in some people. Liver enzyme elevations are listed among potential adverse effects for pregabalin, which means the drug can sometimes trigger changes on blood tests used to monitor liver function [1].
What liver test results might change?
When clinicians monitor for liver effects, they typically look at enzymes such as ALT and AST (often reported as “liver enzymes”). Pregabalin has been associated with “liver enzyme” abnormalities on lab testing, which can appear as mild elevations in some patients [1].
How common is it and what symptoms should patients watch for?
Most cases of drug-related liver enzyme elevation are not accompanied by symptoms, but clinically important liver injury can occur in rare situations. If liver enzymes rise substantially or liver injury develops, patients may notice symptoms such as unusual fatigue, nausea/vomiting, right-upper-abdominal discomfort, dark urine, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin/eyes). If any of those occur, patients should contact a clinician promptly and seek medical advice about whether to stop or adjust the medication [1].
What should you do if your liver enzymes rise while taking Lyrica?
If blood tests show elevated liver enzymes, the prescribing clinician will typically consider other causes (other medications, alcohol use, viral hepatitis, fatty liver, recent illness) and assess whether pregabalin could be contributing. The next step may include repeat labs, dose adjustment, or discontinuation depending on how high the values are and whether symptoms are present [1].
Is liver enzyme elevation more likely with other drugs or conditions?
Risk can increase when liver stressors are present at the same time (for example, taking additional medications that affect the liver or having underlying liver disease). Clinicians generally evaluate the full medication list and medical history when interpreting liver test abnormalities during treatment [1].
Source
- https://www.drugs.com/sfx/lyrica-side-effects.html