Comparison of effects of fibrates in patients with hypertriglyceridemia

Abstract

It has long been known that antihyperlipidemic agents categorized as fibrates are capable of reducing triglyceride concentrations, although the superiority of one over another remains questionable. In the present study, investigators compared treatment results from various fibrates. In all, 60 patients aged 54.1±12 y with hypertriglyceridemia were included in the study. Patients who had increased values on liver function tests, had been given a diagnosis of hypothyroidism or chronic renal failure, and who needed statin medication were excluded. Patients were divided into 4 groups according to the medication given; treatments consisted of Lipanthyl® 1x1, Lipofen™ 1x1, Lopid® 1x1, and Lopid 2x1. Biochemical and hematologic parameters of patients were recorded at the first visit and at the end of the 2-mo treatment period. A total of 18 patients (30%) were given Lipanthyl 1x1, 14 (23.3%) received Lipofen 1x1, 16 (26.7%) were treated with Lopid 1x1, and 12 (20%) were given Lopid 2x1. Effects on triglyceride values were assessed in all groups. Lopid 1x1 and Lopid 2x1 produced significant decreases in triglyceride values. Most adverse effects were reported in the group given Lopid 2x1. In the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia, fibrates have similar effects on tolerability and reliability. However, study findings indicated that Lopid 1x1 and 2x1 treatments have greater efficacy.