Many patients who have elevated triglyceride levels are at risk for the development of cardiovascular and metabolic complications. In addition to lifestyle modifications, many patients will require the use of prescription drugs such as gemfibrozil to lower triglyceride levels. Clinical studies have shown gemfibrozil to be an effective drug in reducing triglycerides and very low-density lipoproteins.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are lipid compounds. Elevated levels triglycerides are often associated with metabolic disorders, including metabolic syndrome and diabetes, and triglycerides may contribute to the formation of arterial blockages that can lead to heart attacks and strokes. The optimal triglyceride levels found within the bloodstream should be below 150 mg/dL.
Gemfibrozil
Gemfibrozil, originally marketed in the U.S. under the brand name Lopid, is a lipid regulating agent that can lower triglyceride and VLDL levels within the body. Gemfibrozil is a popular drug for the treatment of elevated triglycerides because of its effectiveness and availability as a generic drug. Gemfibrozil may also produce beneficial effects by raising high-density lipoproteins, commonly referred to as "good" cholesterol, which help to flush low-density cholesterols from the bloodstream. Unfortunately, gemfibrozil has not shown as much benefit as other cholesterol medications in reducing other types of "bad" cholesterol such as low-density lipoproteins.
Does and Effectiveness
According to the Lopid package insert, the recommended dose of gemfibrozil for adults is 600mg taken twice daily 30 minutes before the morning and evening meal. The Helsinki Heart Study published in the "New England Journal of Medicine" in 1987 examined the effects of gemfibrozil in reducing the risk of heart disease and found that gemfibrozil lowered triglycerides in study participants by approximately 30 to 40 percent.
Safety
Patients taking gemfibrozil should be followed by a physician since serious side effects may include cholestasis, gallstone formation, liver failure, kidney failure, and muscle wasting. In addition, gemfibrozil nay interact with other medications including statins and anticoagulants such as warfarin. Patients with concerns regarding elevated triglycerides or the use of gemfibrozil should speak with a physician.
References
- Pfizer: Lopid Product Package Insert
- "The New England Journal of Medicine"; Helsinki Heart Study: Primary-Prevention Trial with Gemfibrozil in Middle-Aged Men with Dyslipidemia; M. Heikki Frick, M.D., et al.; November 1987
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute National Cholesterol Education Program: ATP III Lipid Guidelines
