DILI: Understanding Drug-Induced Liver Injury and How Medications Affect Your Liver

When you take a medication, your liver works hard to break it down. But sometimes, that process goes wrong. DILI, Drug-Induced Liver Injury happens when a drug or supplement damages your liver—sometimes without warning. It’s not rare. In fact, DILI is one of the leading causes of acute liver failure in the U.S. and Europe, and it’s behind many unexpected hospital visits. Also known as drug-induced hepatotoxicity, it doesn’t always show up in blood tests right away, and it can sneak up even on people taking common pills like painkillers, antibiotics, or even herbal products.

DILI isn’t one single condition—it’s a group of reactions. Some people get mild inflammation, others develop full-blown liver failure. The risk goes up with age, with long-term use, or if you’re already dealing with liver issues. Certain drugs are more likely to trigger it: antibiotics like amoxicillin-clavulanate, antifungals like ketoconazole, seizure meds like valproate, and even some cancer drugs. But here’s the catch: you might not know you’re at risk until your liver enzymes spike. That’s why monitoring liver function matters, especially if you’re on long-term meds like Teriflunomide, a multiple sclerosis drug known to affect liver enzymes, or Ciclopirox, an antifungal that can interact with your body’s metabolism. Even something as simple as St. John’s Wort, which many take for mood support, can cause trouble when mixed with other drugs. The liver doesn’t scream—it whispers. And if you ignore the whispers, the damage can be permanent.

What makes DILI tricky is that it doesn’t always look like classic liver disease. You might feel tired, lose your appetite, or notice your skin turning yellow. Or you might feel fine—until a routine blood test shows your liver enzymes are way out of range. That’s why knowing your meds and talking to your doctor about liver safety isn’t optional. It’s part of staying healthy. In this collection, you’ll find real-world guides on how certain drugs affect your liver, how to spot early signs, and what steps to take when a medication might be too much for your liver to handle. Whether you’re managing a chronic condition, switching meds, or just trying to avoid hidden risks, these posts give you the facts without the fluff.