Liver injury from medicines or supplements

Overview

Green tea extract, turmeric, and some muscle-building products have been linked to liver injury.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Dark urine or yellow skin

Less common

• Tiredness
• Itching

Look up a symptom: Nausea · Stomach pain · Yellow skin or eyes

When to get medical care

Causes

Medicines, supplements.

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Liver tests:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

• Stop the suspected product with your doctor's advice
• Bring all bottles to your visit

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Check supplements with your doctor

Which doctor treats this

• Urgent care or the ER can treat it first. For minor problems, your primary care provider can help.
• They may send you to a gastroenterologist or hepatologist (liver doctor).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• American Liver Foundation: Helpline and support groups for liver disease.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Recovery time varies. Ask your care team when you can drive, lift, work, and exercise.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• People taking many medicines: Higher risk.

Outlook

Most recover after stopping the cause.

Most recover after stopping.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing this?
• What treatment do you recommend?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Liver injury from medicines or supplements