Liver Toxicity

Liver toxicity is the harmful effect that occurs when a toxic (poisonous) chemical is swallowed, inhaled, injected or absorbed. Toxic chemicals include therapeutic medications, traditional herbs, gas fumes, nutraceuticals, supplements, or drugs. Liver toxicity causes gradual or sudden liver damage.1 It is estimated that liver toxicity accounts for between 6% and 70% of reported cases…

Last updated 1 February 2024

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What exactly is your liver?

The second largest organ in your body (after the skin)
A meaty structure that sits mainly behind the rib cage
Weighs approximately 1.5kg
Reddish brown in colour and has a rubbery texture
Your body’s “purification factory”
Normally you can’t feel it because it’s protected by the rib cage

The liver is the only organ that has a remarkable capacity to repair and regenerate itself back to its original size and restore full liver function, even after severe damage caused by disease or injury.

Liver damage can occur before symptoms appear

Give your liver the support it needs to function optimally

Are you at risk?

Risk factors may include:

Certain medications
Overdosing on medication, exceeding prescribed treatment dosage, or ignoring direction of use (pain killers such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, codeine)
Use or experimentation with injectable drugs or illicit drugs
Pre-existing medical conditions e.g. liver disease, HIV/AIDS, malnutrition, fasting or dieting
Past blood transfusions
Sexual activity
Direct contact with infected persons (Hepatitis, TB)
Smoking
Alcohol consumption
Occupational exposure to blood products (through accidental needle prick)
Exposure to toxic chemicals (polluted industrial areas, poor sanitation, sewerage contamination, infection and disease outbreaks)
Family history of liver disease
Working in or travelling to places of high endemicity without immunization (malaria)

Why your liver is important

As your body’s “purification factory”, the liver:

Filters-out toxins
Regulates and cleanses a litre and a half of blood per minute of virtually every foreign substance entering your system
Makes new proteins needed to strengthen the immune system
Helps the body to resist and fight infection
Processes many of the drugs in your system

How drugs cause liver damage

The liver recognises any foreign chemical in the body as toxic. As a result, the liver cells, called hepatocytes, start working strenuously to remove the perceived threat from your system. When the liver becomes overwhelmingly strained and overworked, it can throw your entire system off balance and can severely compromise your overall health.¹

The liver is your body’s purification factory

Signs and symptoms 4, 5

Early symptoms include generalised itching, loss of appetite, fatigue, feeling sick (nausea), diarrhoea, and feeling unwell. Early symptoms are usually overlooked, as they can be very similar to other common ailments (hangover after excessive consumption of alcohol, or biliousness and indigestion after consuming junk food).

Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis includes a liver function test or blood tests to see if certain liver enzymes that circulate in the bloodstream have increased. It is critically important that you and your doctor monitor your liver enzymes regularly if you are starting or you are already taking chronic medication.

Medical references

Patient education developed and maintained by Medinformer

This page is for general information and isn't a substitute for advice from a doctor who knows your history. If you're worried about your health, speak to your GP. In an emergency, call 10177, or 112 from a mobile.