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Medical Author:

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Fibrates

What are examples of fibrates available in the U.S.?

Examples of fibrates include:

• gemfibrozil (Lopid), and
  
  
• fenofibrate (Tricor).

How do fibrates work?

Fibrates are primarily effective in lowering triglycerides and, to a lesser extent, in increasing HDL cholesterol levels.

Who should not use fibrates?

Individuals who are allergic to fibrates, or who have liver disease (including biliary cirrhosis or gallbladder disease) or severe kidney disease, should not take these agents.

Use: Fibrates are typically ingested with the morning and/or evening meals.

Drug or food interactions: When combined with statins, an increased risk of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis may occur. Fibrates increase the effect of warfarin (Coumadin) and oral diabetic drugs [such as glyburide (Micronase, Diabeta, Glynase Prestab) or repaglinide (Prandin)]; therefore, closer monitoring of your bleeding time and blood sugar will be required. Patients taking cyclosporine may have decreased levels (your doctor will monitor you and determine if a dose adjustment is needed).

Side effects: Common side effects of fibrates include upset stomach, stomach pain, diarrhea, headache, tiredness, nausea, and vomiting. Muscle aches and pain also occur. Rarely, these muscle-related symptoms are associated with damage to muscles that releases chemicals into the blood that that can damage the kidney. Muscle damage is of greatest concern when gemfibrozil is combined with statins. The formation of gallstones and gallbladder surgery have been associated with the use of fibrates.