ProLipid

Fibrates (= Fibric Acids) are an older drug class than statins and have been used since 1967. Their main function is to lower serum triglycerides by approximately 40 to 60%. LDL cholesterol may be lowered slightly by up to 10%, and HDL cholesterol or the "good" cholesterol may rise by approximately 10 to 20%.

Fibrates are believed to influence the metabolism of triglycerides and cholesterol by targeting special receptors in the liver. As a side effect, fibrates change the composition of bile which increases the risk of gallstones. Nausea, sickness, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal discomfort is relatively common, especially in the beginning of fibrate therapy.

As for statins, rhabdomyolysis or the breakdown of muscle tissue may occur which can cause severe kidney problems. Care must be taken when combining fibrates with statins because of an increased risk of rhabdomyolysis. If fibrates are to be combined with statins, gemfibrozil seems to cause fewer side effects.

Clofibrate, the first fibrate on the market, often causes pronounced side effects such as the risk of gallstones. Consequently, most countries have withdrawn it from the market, together with related fibrates such as etofibrate. Newer fibrates such as bezafibrate (Bezalip®), fenofibrate (TriCor®) and particularly gemfibrozil (Lopid®) are considered much safer.