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Complications
By Mayo Clinic staff
Jaundice
Gilbert's syndrome can cause episodes of jaundice. However, the jaundice is usually mild and goes away on its own. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe phenobarbital to lower extremely elevated bilirubin levels and reduce signs of jaundice.
More side effects with certain medications
The low level of the bilirubin-processing enzyme that causes Gilbert's syndrome may also cause increased side effects with certain medications, since this enzyme also plays a role in helping clear these medications from your body.
In particular, irinotecan (Camptosar), a cancer chemotherapy drug, can reach toxic levels if you have Gilbert's syndrome, causing severe diarrhea. The antiviral indinavir (Crixivan), which is used in people with HIV, may also cause complications in people with Gilbert's syndrome.
Because of this potential effect with certain medications, talk to your doctor before taking any new medications if you have Gilbert's syndrome.
- Berk PD, et al. Approach to the patient with jaundice or abnormal liver test results. In: Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/189880460-4/0/1492/0.html. Accessed March 18, 2010.
- Lidofsky SD. Jaundice. In: Feldman M, et al. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/189880460-5/0/1389/0.html. Accessed March 18, 2010.
- Ferri FF. Gilbert's disease. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2010. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/189880460-5/0/2088/0.html. Accessed March 18, 2010.
- Chowdhury NR, et al. Gilbert's syndrome and unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia due to bilirubin overproduction. http://www.uptodate.com. Accessed March 18, 2010.
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