← Return to Anyone experienced Elevated Liver Enzymes from Cellcept or Tacrolimus?

Discussion
Comment receiving replies
@leahdrose

Thank you all for your input. I was also CMV and BK negative, and my donor was positive. Mine came out positive five months after transplant. My CMV DNA PCR was 1.83, CMV DNA Viral Load PCR was 67.20. BK Virus was <500. Having no knowledge on how to interpret these numbers, I did some research but still no clear understanding of it. I'm not a Mayo patient. However, both my UCLA transplant nephrologist and regular nephrologist are working closely together on my cases. My regular nephrologist put me immediately on Valcyte 900 mg. 2x a day. The Cellcept (500 mg) was also stopped. However, my UCLA transplant nephrologist advised that the level was low and the meds should have not been adjusted. The Cellcept was put back on, and the Valcyte was stopped immediately. I did lab works two weeks in a row later, and both came out negative. I have labs again tomorrow and hoping to get new results. I also have an appointment at UCLA next week. You would think after the successful transplant surgery, you win the battle. It's frustrating that these issues are coming up months later which I understand are normal. These viruses are scary. It's like a no win-win situation. One is fighting against the other. You decrease the meds dosage to get rid of the viruses. On the other hand, rejection rate becomes higher. I'm aware that these will be ongoing issues so need to be really cautious. Although faced with these challenges, I'm thankful to receive a new kidney after four years of wait only and without dialysis. I'm also thankful to be a part of this supportive group, hear great advices and learn others' experiences. Thank you for your prayers and well wishes. I hope we are all able to win this fight.

Jump to this post


Replies to "Thank you all for your input. I was also CMV and BK negative, and my donor..."

Hi @leahdrose 😊 It sounds like your CMV and BK virus levels are now low enough and under control, which is great news. Are you taking 500mg Cellcept once a day or twice a day? When you say your "rejection rate is running high". What criteria or test are your doctors using to monitor your rejection rate? Is your creatinine elevated or is there another test that is giving them concern?

I keep asking my liver transplant doctor if my repeated infections are from Mycophenolate, but she says no. Although, she did reduce my dose in half. My feeling is that it’s a combination of my autoimmune diseases and Mycophenolate.

It is definitely a Catch 22 dilemma, dealing with the medication side effects vs. protecting our new life giving organ. Fortunately, my new liver is doing well! And, I’ll definitely try to keep him happy!

Let us know how your labs and doctor visits go, Leah