Liver failure (due to cirrhosis or acute liver failure) is a condition that arises when the liver starts losing its ability to function. Liver function is an uncommon disease and demands immediate medical attention. The disease may or may not be reversible depending upon its type and extent.

Some cases, liver failure may be caused due to unknown causes. However, some known causes of liver failure are:

• Intake of certain medications like antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and anticonvulsants might lead to liver failure. Herbal medicines like kava, ephedra and skullcap might also cause acute liver failure.
• Diseases like Budd-Chiari syndrome blocks liver veins of the liver that causes liver failure.
• Metabolic diseases like Wilson's disease often cause liver failure.
• An overdose of acetaminophen often leads to liver failure.
• Certain viruses like Hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis E may lead to acute liver failure.
• Autoimmune hepatitis is a condition in which the patient’s immune system starts damaging the liver cells which may lead to acute liver failure.
• Liver failure can also occur when the liver gets affected by cancer.