Warning about use of fibrates for lowering cholesterol

Wed, 23 Mar 2011
A new study has questioned in the increased use of fibrates as a way of reducing cholesterol, especially in the United States. With fibrates being given to patients needing to treat low levels of so-called ‘good cholesterol’ (HDL) and high levels of triglycerides, which is a potentially damaging form of fat that circulates in the blood, experts are concerned about the actual benefits involved.

Although the ability of fibrates to reduce triglycerides is assumed, the scientists focused on whether any decline in blood fats linked to fibrate use translates into any real benefit to the health of the patient.

Cynthia A. Jackevicius, lead author on the study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, commented "In some recent studies, the fibrates, particularly fenofibrate, was not found to reduce the chances of having a heart attack or of saving lives."

She added "Just because the medicine may improve the cholesterol profile doesn't mean it also decreases the chance of a heart attack or death."

Other recent trials on diabetes patients also revealed that taking a type of fibrate called fenofibrate, which is sold generically as brands such as Triglide, Tricor, Lipofen and Antara, did not manage to reduce the risk of heart attack or dying compared to just taking statins on their own.

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