Daughter Went On Accutane and Her Liver Enzymes Went Up. Discontinued, What Are Her Options?

My daughter went on accutane and within 2 weeks her liver enzymes went to 39. She was taken off the medication and her enzyme level continued to go up to 55. After 4 weeks it has now started to track down and is currently back at 39. It was at 17 prior to taking the medication. Could she take milk thistle and possibly go back on accutane? Can she take milk thistle while on the medication? If she can't go back on accutane, what other options would you recommend. Thank you for your time.

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2 Doctor Answers | Asked by jillacne

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Liver enzymes usually do rise while on Accutane

It is quite normal for liver enzymes to rise while on Accutane, but they very clearly go back down pretty quickly as well, so it's usually just not of great concern. From the photo I can see your daughter has pretty severe acne, so there are a couple of options: she could try a medication like Solodyn, which works decently well (and is the medication I go to if someone just can't or won't take Accutane), or she could try a much lower dose of Accutane for a longer duration. The... more

Let There Be Light

Do not be alarmed about the rise in liver enzymes. In my practice, I have only seen one instance in which the liver enzymes went "through the roof" and that was in a woman who I suspected went on an alcohol binge. LIver enzyme elevation occurs in about 10-15% of patients and not only is quite moderate, but settles back down to normal levels within two months. It is felt that Accutane does not cause permanent liver damage. Low dose Accutane, say at 10 mg. a day for a... more