Did Statin Cause Liver Disease?
DEAR DR. GOTT: I am a 71-year-old female and have had coronary artery disease for 20 years. Over the years I have had numerous angioplasties, had stent placement and have been taking cholesterol-lowering statin drugs since being diagnosed. Now I have been told I have biliary cirrhosis. My doctor told me it was likely due to the statins. DEAR READER: Statins are well known for the side effect of liver damage. That is why doctors should check cholesterol and liver enzyme levels at least once a year on individuals taking these powerful medications. However, I can find nothing indicating that statins lead to biliary cirrhosis. This is not to say it is not caused by the medication, but there is a chance your biliary cirrhosis is completely unrelated. Primary biliary cirrhosis is a condition in which the bile ducts of the liver become irritated and swollen. This in turn can block the flow of bile leading to liver damage. It is more common in middle-aged women and may be associated with autoi
