Introduction

The liver is an incredibly robust organ that plays a pivotal role in the metabolism of drugs. The liver can often mask mild liver disease; its ability to compensate for insult is impressive, however continuous inflammation can cause irreversible damage.

The liver can regenerate its own cells and has numerous functions, including metabolism, detoxification, synthesis and excretion.1,2 Blood supply to the liver is mainly via the portal vein and hepatic artery.

Learning objectives

After successful completion of this CPD activity, pharmacists should be able to:

  • Discuss how liver function is assessed
  • Explain how pharmacists can translate knowledge into practice for patients with liver dysfunction.

Competency standards (2016) addressed: 1.1, 1.4, 1.5, 2.2, 3.1, 3.5

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Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), alcohol-related liver disease and viral hepatitis are the most common liver diseases.3 Pharmacists can optimise the health outcomes of patients by understanding the complexities associated with liver disease and the underlying factors predisposing patients to liver injury. Australian pharmacists, through the supply of direct acting antivirals, have improved the liver health of patients with hepatitis C.4,5 However, the pharmacist’s role in managing patients with acute and chronic liver diseases extends beyond dispensing medicines and encompasses patient advocacy, education and multi- disciplinary team collaboration.

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