Triglycerides, though similar to cholesterol because they are both types of fat that cannot dissolve in the blood, differ in how they affect the body. While cholesterol helps build cells and produce hormones, triglycerides provide your body with energy. However,when you eat more calories than you burn, and the triglycerides being stored in your fat cells are not released, your levels may become too high, posing a health risk for you. This is when medication may be needed to lower them.
Fibrates
According to the American Heart Association, fibrates are the most effective drug when it comes to lowering triglyceride levels. They are not, however, as effective for those who need to lower their levels of LDL, or bad cholesterol. The most commonly prescribed fibrates include bezabifrate, gemfibrozil and fenofibrate. The most cost-effective drug, in the opinion of pharmacist Phillip Treadwell of the Thagard Student Health Center, is gemfibrozil. However, it must be taken twice daily, whereas the more potent fenofibrate needs to be taken only once.
The major problem with fibrates is that they may interact adversely with other cholesterol-lowering medications. If you have to lower both your triglycerides and your LDL, these drugs may not be the best option for you.
Statins
This class of cholesterol-lowering medications is a favorite among the medical community and with the American Heart Association. Statins are extremely effective for reducing high levels of LDL. This is a priority for those with diabetes, as they are already at an increased risk for heart attack. However, statins do not work well for people with extremely high levels of triglycerides. They appear to make a significant difference in those with only mildly elevated triglyceride levels and may be a good choice if you need to reduce both your triglyceride and LDL levels.
Nicotinic Acid
Also known as niacin, nicotinic acid helps reduce triglyceride levels, although not as much as fibrates do. It also helps reduce LDL levels and can increase low levels of HDL. Unlike the other medications used for lowering triglycerides, nicotinic acid is available as both a supplement and as a prescription. However, the American Heart Association recommends the prescription form when using it for lowering triglycerides due to its toxicity and possible side effects. The supplement form, when taken in the high doses needed to lower your triglycerides, can result in liver damage. Your doctor should monitor you closely if you take nicotinic acid. Diabetics should not use nicotinic acid because it may raise their blood sugar levels.
