Current role of fibrates in the treatment of dyslipidemia

Anastazia Kei, Moses Elisaf

 


Abstract

As the focus of cardiovascular risk management is extending beyond statins and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) management, a number of therapeutic options has been proposed for low high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and high triglycerides levels. Fibrates have been shown to substantially reduce triglycerides and increase HDL-C levels, comprising a reasonable second-line treatment for mixed dyslipidemia. Moreover, fenofibrate combined with a standard statin dose is a well tolerated therapy, while data supporting the fenofibrate-associated reduction of diabetic retinopathy exist. The benefits of fenofibrate regarding cardiovascular disease and its potential role in combination therapy require further confirmation.

Keywords: fenofibrate, mixed dyslipidemia, hypertriglyceridemia, diabetic dyslipidemia