The final class of drugs that are used to treat high cholesterol are fibric acid derivatives, also known as fibrates. It really isn't known how this group of drugs works to lower cholesterol levels, but it is assumed that they promote the breakdown of triglycerides, inhibit the body's ability to produce cholesterol, and finally act as a diuretic mechanism that helps to rid the body of cholesterol molecules. Fibrates are most effective at reducing triglyceride levels, however, they are not effective for lowering LDL levels. Because of this these drugs are not usually used alone, but are instead used in conjunction with other cholesterol lowering devises and treatment plans and drugs to produce the bests results.
There are several drugs that are found in this drug class including:
Clofibrate
Fenofibrate Capsules
Fenofibrate Tablets
Gemfibrozil
Lopid
Unlike HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, fibric acid derivatives are taken either twice a day or once a day depending on the brand name of the fibrate. Lopid is usually taken twice a day, whereas Fenofibrate is usually only taken once a day.
People who take fibrates should be aware of the negative drug interaction that can occur when statins and fibrates are taken in conjunction with each other. A condition known as rhabdomyolysisrhabdomyolysis may develop when these two drugs are taken together. This condition attacks and damages muscle cells, which then release their contents into the blood stream and in turn cause damage to the body's organs. If you are taking both of these types of cholesterol lowering drugs you will need to be monitored for this condition as well as be monitored for organ damage.
Other side effects that you should be aware of are similar to those created by other cholesterol treatments. It is common to experience digestive tract irritation, stomach pain, nausea, and bloating.