Drug example: Gemfibrozil, fenofibrate
Mechanism of action: By influencing a receptor involved in the genetic pathway for lipid metabolism, it increases the production of an enzyme in fat tissue that limits the supply of triglycerides.
Use: Drugs of this class are used to treat hypertriglyceridemia. They are often used in combination with other lipid-lowering medications.
Drug toxicity: The most common patient complaint is nausea. Rarely, these drugs can decrease the white blood cell (WBC) count or hematocrit (HCT). Fibrates also increase the activity of anticoagulants.
Renal function can be impacted by fibrates, so serum creatinine may be monitored every six months in patients with pre-existing renal disease.
