Recovering
from drug-induced liver injury
The liver has an amazing ability to repair itself. Most people with drug-induced liver injury (DILI) will make a complete recovery.
The information on this page is for:
- Adults and children with DILI or suspected DILI.
- Family, friends, carers, and healthcare professionals.
How long it takes for the liver to repair itself varies from person to person. People often feel quite unwell while the repair work happens. Some people may still feel worse for a while, even after tests show their liver is healing. It is common for people to continue to feel sick or very tired for weeks or even months. This is a normal part of recovering. But it can make it hard to do normal activities and can be worrying.
The medical team may suggest regular blood tests to check that the liver is getting better. But always speak to the doctor if you have concerns.
On this page:
Looking after the liver
The main thing that will help the liver get better is time. But there are some other things to help keep it healthy. Eating a healthy balanced diet, taking exercise, and avoiding smoking and alcohol will all help the liver to work well.
Managing symptoms
Some people find other things to help with symptoms. Such as a cooling gel or ice packs to relieve itching or a massage for relaxation.
Find out more about itching (pruritus) in children
Manhy people feel very tired while they are recovering from DILI. You might hear this called fatigue.
Alternative and complementary medicines
Always talk to a doctor before trying alternative or complementary medicines. Even if they are natural or have been recommended by a practitioner. This is especially important for anyone who has had drug-induced liver injury.
Find out more about complementary and alternative treatments.
I spoke to a nurse who answered all of my questions, and more. It was like getting the biggest hug from my mum! She told me that “treatment was time” … and she was right.
Common worries
Will I get drug-induced liver injury again?
Many people who have had drug-induced liver injury worry that they will get it again the next time they need a new medicine.
Some things make people more likely to get drug-induced liver injury. But in most cases it happens by chance.
Overall, you’re no more likely to get drug-induced liver injury from a new medicine than anyone else.
Not treating a medical problem due to fears of drug-induced liver injury might be riskier than the injury itself. But it is normal to be worried, and sensible to reduce the risk as much as possible.
Always tell your doctor that you have had drug-induced liver injury when they give you a prescription. Keep a record of all the medications you take, including any that you buy from a pharmacy. Or any supplements or complementary treatments you take.
Ask to talk to your pharmacist If you are taking more than one medicine. Or if you are taking medicine from the doctor and want to try a supplement or something from a pharmacy as well. Pharmacists are experts in how medicines can interact with each other. They will be able to help you avoid any problem combinations.
What if I really need my medicine?
Sometimes stopping the medicine that has caused drug-induced liver injury is straightforward. It could be something you were only taking for a short time, like a course of antibiotics for an infection. Or there might be different medicines that you can take instead.
But for some people it is more of a problem. Especially if the medicine is something that you rely on for a serious long term or life-threatening condition.
What to do in this situation will be different for each person. Your doctor should talk to you about the different options. This way, you can decide together what to do.
It is normal to feel worried about this. If this worry affects your mental health, visit our Looking after your mental health page for more information and links.
We have a range of other support options, you can find out more using the link below.
Support
How Liver UK can help
A diagnosis of liver disease can be worrying, and you may have a lot of questions.
We're here for you and for your family and friends. Whether you have questions or just need someone to listen, we can help.
Your feedback
This content was last reviewed: February 2026
Our expert reviewers:
We would like to thank everyone who helped with creating and reviewing this page. Including Catherine Wood, virtual hepatology nurse specialist. Dr Hyder Hussaini, consultant hepatologist. And all our patient reviewers.
Find out how we make our patient information.
Everyone’s experience of liver disease will be different. Always talk to your specialist medical team for personal advice.
More from Liver UK
Check your risk
Find out more
Support us
Find out more
Keep up to date
Find out more