Cholesterol is a waxy substance that circulates throughout your body in your bloodstream. Because cholesterol is a lipid, it does not dissolve in the blood. Cholesterol is an important part of your cell membranes, and it contributes to the synthesis of vitamin D, bile acids, estrogen and testosterone. When your cholesterol gets too high, it can increase your risk of developing heart disease.
High Cholesterol and Treatment
High cholesterol occurs when the levels of cholesterol in your bloodstream get too high. Diet and genetics both contribute to high cholesterol levels. According to the American Heart Association, your liver synthesizes 75 percent of the cholesterol in your body and your diet contributes 25 percent. In many cases, you can reduce high cholesterol with a variety of different diet and lifestyle changes. Some cases of high cholesterol, however, require the use of medications such as fibrates.
Action of Fibrates
Fibrates reduce the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood, and they can increase the amount of HDL cholesterol, which is considered protective against heart disease. Fibrates work by reducing the liver's production of cholesterol and increasing the rate of triglyceride removal from your blood. The National Center for Biotechnology Information notes that although fibrates can remove fatty substances from your blood, they do not decrease the risk of heart problems caused by these fatty substances.
Dosage
Fibrates are available in three forms: capsule, long-acting capsule and tablet. You usually take fibrates orally once a day. You should take some fibrate brands, such as Libofen and Lofibra, with a meal; you can take other brands, such as Fibricor and Tricor, without a meal. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, your doctor probably will start you with a small dose of fibrates and then increase your prescription gradually. When taking fibrates, you should make sure to swallow the pills whole and never crush or break them.
Precautions
If you have or have had kidney, liver or gallbladder disease, you should not take fibrates. Women who are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant also should not take fibrates. If you are taking other cholesterol-lowering medications such as bile-acid resins, you should not take them with fibrates. Tell your doctor about any other medications, supplements or herbs you are taking.
Side Effects
Fibrates can cause a variety of side effects. Some side effects -- such as constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, headache and pain in the arms or legs -- are usually minor and do not indicate serious health complications. Other side effects are considered serious, and you should let your doctor know about them right away. These side effects include weakness, joint pain, fever, blisters, rash, nausea, vomiting, pain during breathing, shortness of breath and coughing up blood.
