Drug-induced liver injury: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services or go to an emergency department if you have possible liver injury together with:

   • Confusion, unusual behaviour, or difficulty staying awake
   • Vomiting blood, black stools, or heavy unexplained bleeding
   • A suspected overdose, even if you currently feel well
   • Rapidly worsening jaundice with severe weakness or repeated vomiting

   For mild symptoms or an unexpected abnormal liver test without emergency signs, promptly contact the clinician who prescribed the medicine.

   Do not restart a stopped product or make major medication changes without advice unless emergency services tell you to do so.

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   • you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Seek urgent same-day medical advice for new yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine with pale stools, persistent vomiting, or significant pain in the upper right abdomen.

   A widespread rash, fever, facial swelling, breathing difficulty, or mouth sores after starting a medicine also needs urgent assessment.

   These can indicate a serious whole-body drug reaction.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • is having side effects from a medicine, or is struggling to take it as prescribed
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Drug-induced liver injury. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.