Fibrates are fiber acid derivatives are a class of lowering cholesterol medications that work by reducing blood triglycreride levels. The lowering of triglycerides (fats in the blood) eventually raises HDL cholesterol, also known as the good cholesterol, but unlike many statin drugs seem not to have a direct effect on lowering the LDL cholesterol also known as the bad cholesterol for its tendency to build up into artery walls, causing atherisclerosis and increasing the risk for heart disease. The raising of HDL level does promote indirectly to the reduction of LDL cholesterol levels.

It appears that fibrates accelerate the breakdown process of particles rich in triglyceride while lowering the secretion of lipoproteins in the blood. In the process, fibrates also raise HDL levels by inducing the synthesis of HDL. The reduction in triglyceride level is also promoted by fibrates as they inhibit the liver’s natural production of VLDL (Very Low Density Lipoprotein), the bad cholesterol that circulates the blood and deposits cholesterol as it passes through the arteries.

Famous fibrates brand names include: Tricor, Lopid (gemifibrozil) that is aimed at lowering overall cholesterol levels by changing the ratio of LDL to HDL, and Lofibra.

The main problem with using fibrates is that that treatment requires almost life long consumption of the medication. Patients who use fibrates should limit the amount of alcohol-consumed daily to no more than two glasses, and grapefruit juice should also be avoided as it contains active ingredients that may interfere with the process of assimilating fibrates by the body, which may lead to side effects.

Taking fibrates may also result in serious side effects. Some of them are: nausea, stomach upset and diarrhea. Fibrates can cause mild liver irritation, muscle damage (if taken along with statin drugs to lower cholesterol), and the formation of gallstones. When taken with blood thinner medications, Fibrates can enhance the blood thinning process of the medication therefore one should consult a doctor prior to mixing the two.