Hepatotoxicity Associated with Metformin Therapy in Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

• DOI: 10.1345/aph.1p099
• Publication Date: 2010-07-21T03:56:04Z
• Authors: Catherine J Cone; Amy M Bachyrycz; Glen H Murata
• Keywords: Glimepiride; Liver disease

Objective: To report a case of idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity associated with metformin in the treatment type 2 diabetes nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Case Summary: A 61-year-old obese man presented jaundice, nausea, fatigue, and an unintentional weight loss weeks following initiation metformin. Laboratory findings revealed aminotransferase values 10–15 times upper limit normal. Potential causative agents, including metformin, simvastatin, Niaspan (extended-release niacin), were discontinued. Two months later, patient's signs symptoms had resolved returned to An objective causality assessment that adverse reaction was probably Discussion: Since numerous medications states can cause abnormalities enzymes, it is important for providers be able distinguish cause(s) take appropriate actions. This great deal time effort patients multiple comorbidities. In this case, viral hepatitis, worsening NAFLD, concomitant drugs highly suspected. As hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme reductase inhibitors offer substantial cardiovascular benefits as first-line agent helping lower blood glucose concentrations normalize metabolic profile diabetes, reintroduction simvastatin would likely beneficial. Conclusions: metformin-induced hepatotoxicity. prevalence subsequent effects increases US, use will likewise increase. potential increased occur, clinicians should vigilant.