Drug-Induced Liver Injury: Causes, Risks, and What You Can Do

When your liver gets hurt by a medicine you took on purpose, that’s called drug-induced liver injury, liver damage caused by prescription drugs, over-the-counter meds, or supplements. Also known as drug-induced hepatotoxicity, it’s not rare—about 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 100,000 people on certain drugs will see it happen, and it’s one of the top reasons meds get pulled from the market. This isn’t about overdosing. It’s about your body reacting unexpectedly to something meant to help you.

Some drugs are more likely to cause trouble than others. Painkillers like acetaminophen, antibiotics like amoxicillin-clavulanate, seizure meds like valproic acid, and even some herbal supplements like green tea extract or kava have all been linked to liver damage. It doesn’t matter if you’ve taken them for years—sometimes it hits out of nowhere. And it’s not just about the drug itself. Your genes, age, other meds you’re on, or even how much alcohol you drink can turn a safe dose into a dangerous one. Drug interactions, when two or more medications affect each other’s metabolism in the liver are a big part of the story. For example, if you’re on an epilepsy drug and start taking St. John’s Wort, your liver might get overwhelmed trying to process both.

Most people don’t feel anything at first. No nausea, no yellow skin—not yet. But your liver enzymes start climbing, and that’s the first warning sign. That’s why regular blood tests matter if you’re on long-term meds like statins, antifungals, or immunosuppressants. Hepatotoxicity, the toxic effect of chemicals on liver cells doesn’t always mean permanent damage—if caught early, stopping the drug often lets your liver heal completely. But if ignored, it can lead to liver failure, transplant, or death.

You’re not powerless here. Know your meds. Ask your doctor if your prescription has a known liver risk. Don’t mix supplements with prescriptions without checking. Keep track of what you’re taking—even the "natural" stuff. And if you start feeling unusually tired, your skin or eyes turn yellow, or your urine gets dark, don’t wait. Get a blood test. Most cases of drug-induced liver injury are avoidable if you pay attention to the small signs before they become big problems.

The posts below cover real cases, common culprits, and practical steps to protect your liver while still getting the meds you need. From how acetaminophen quietly stresses the liver to why some people are genetically more at risk, you’ll find clear, no-fluff advice from people who’ve been there.