Fibrates are best at lowering triglycerides and in some cases increasing HDL (good cholesterol) levels. These drugs are not very effective in lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol. That’s why fibrates are generally used in people whose triglycerides are high or whose HDL is low, after reaching LDL goal. Fibrates are most effective at lowering triglycerides (blood fats). Additionally, they act to raise the levels of HDL (good) cholesterol. Fibrates may be used in combination therapy with the statins.
Fibrates currently available in the U.S.include :
- Gemfibrozil (Lopid®)**
- Fenofibrate (Antara®, Lofibra®, Tricor®, and Triglide™)**
- Clofibrate (Atromid-S)**
Statins
Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs may help reduce the bad cholesterol (LDL), increase the good cholesterol (HDL) and reduce triglycerides (a blood fat).
Cholestyramine (Questran)
If you suffer from the sometimes very disabling side effects of statins, there may be an alternative that should be discussed with your doctor: Cholestyramine (Questran) is an oral medication that reduces the levels of cholesterol in the blood and improves the itching associated with liver disease.
Fibrates
Fibrates are best at lowering triglycerides and in some cases increasing HDL (good cholesterol) levels. These drugs are not very effective in lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol.
Niacin (Nicotinic Acid)
This drug works in the liver by affecting the production of blood fats. Niacin is prescribed to lower triglycerides and LDL cholesterol and raise HDL (“good”) cholesterol.