Side Effects of fenofibrate: A Synthesis of Findings from 28 Studies

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Original Abstract of the Article

Main Research Findings

Fenofibrate is a medication used to lower triglyceride levels and raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, often prescribed for people with high cholesterol and triglyceride levels. 27 2 Research suggests that it may also improve other cardiovascular risk factors, such as inflammation, blood clotting, and endothelial dysfunction. 2

When combined with statins, fenofibrate may have a synergistic effect on improving lipid profiles and reducing cardiovascular risk. 2 The combination with statins is considered to have a low risk of muscle or liver toxicity, as fenofibrate does not significantly interfere with the way statins work in the body. 2

While generally safe and effective, fenofibrate, like any medication, can cause side effects. 27 However, these are usually mild and infrequent, and most patients do not need to stop taking the medication.

Reasons for Side Effects

Fenofibrate's side effects are likely related to its mechanism of action. It works by activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα), a protein that regulates lipid metabolism. 10 This activation can lead to increased lipid breakdown and HDL production in the liver, but it may also stimulate the growth of peroxisomes in the liver, which could contribute to liver-related side effects. 27 Additionally, fenofibrate might affect energy metabolism in muscle cells, potentially causing muscle problems. 7

Common Side Effects

Digestive System

The most common side effect of fenofibrate is digestive issues. Some patients experience indigestion, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. 27

Muscles

Fenofibrate can sometimes cause muscle pain, weakness, or even a serious condition called rhabdomyolysis. 27 7 These side effects are relatively rare, and often mild. 27

Liver

Fenofibrate might cause elevated liver enzyme levels, but these increases are usually temporary and don't reach dangerous levels. 27

Other

Other potential side effects of fenofibrate include hair loss, decreased libido, and fatigue. 27

Side Effect Management

Digestive System

If you experience significant digestive issues, consult with your doctor. 27

Muscles

If you have severe muscle pain or weakness, contact your doctor. 27

Liver

If your liver enzyme levels are elevated, it's essential to talk to your doctor. 27

Others

If you have any concerns about other side effects, don't hesitate to discuss them with your doctor. 27

Comparison Between Studies

Common Points of Studies

A consistent finding across multiple studies is that fenofibrate effectively lowers triglyceride levels and raises HDL cholesterol. 27 2 10 22 26

Differences in Studies

The research on side effects of fenofibrate has shown some variations. Some studies have observed an increase in peroxisomes in the liver, while others haven't. 27 The results on muscle toxicity of fenofibrate have also been inconsistent. 7

Points to Note Regarding Application to Real Life

Fenofibrate can be a valuable treatment for high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, but it's important to be aware of potential side effects. Always discuss these risks and benefits with your doctor before starting fenofibrate, and be sure to report any concerning symptoms like muscle pain or elevated liver enzyme levels.

Limitations of Current Research

We need more research to understand the long-term side effects of fenofibrate. Additionally, there is likely a wide range of individual responses to this medication.

Future Directions for Research

Large clinical trials are essential to further evaluate the long-term side effects of fenofibrate. Research should also explore individual differences in response to this medication, considering factors like genetics and lifestyle.

Conclusion

Fenofibrate is a helpful medication for managing high cholesterol and triglycerides, but it's important to be informed about possible side effects. Consult with your doctor to weigh the risks and benefits, and report any unusual symptoms promptly. We need ongoing research to better understand the long-term effects and individual differences related to fenofibrate.

Keywords
Benefit Keywords
Statin therapy
1
Cardiovascular risk reduction
2
Cholesterol reduction
Reduced drug interaction
Triglyceride reduction
3
CAD risk reduction
HDL-C raising
4
Vascular protection
5
Improved lipid profile
Reduced cardiovascular risk
6
CLC protein pharmacology
7
Reduced cardiovascular events
9
Lipid lowering
Well tolerated
10
Fenofibrate olanzapine resistance
12
Anti-apoptotic effects
Anti-inflammatory effects
Antioxidant effects
Testicular toxicity reduction
13
MetS reversal
Metabolic improvement
Weight loss
15
Cardioprotection
Fenofibrate benefit
17
Cutaneous T cell lymphoma treatment
18
prevent diabetes complications
reduce insulin resistance
19
Cardiovascular risk reduction
20
DME treatment
DR treatment
Improved vision
NPDR prevention
PPARα activation
21
Antioxidant effect
Cholesterol reduction
Triglyceride reduction
22
Reduced LDL particle size
Reduced hsCRP
Reduced small dense LDL cholesterol
23
Hyperlipidemia treatment
Safe for obese
24
Lower cholesterol
Lower triglycerides
Raise HDL
26
Liver safety
Reproduction safety
27
Fenofibrate for hemodialysis
Simvastatin for hemodialysis
28
Risk Keywords
Myopathy
Side effects
1
Liver toxicity
Muscular side effects
2
Side effects
3
Muscle toxicity
4
Side effects
5
Liver toxicity
Muscle side effects
6
Lipid-lowering drug side effects
Muscle cramps
Rhabdomyolysis
7
Statin-induced muscle disorders
8
Digestive
Musculoskeletal
10
Pancreatotoxicity
11
Drug-induced acute pancreatitis
14
Side effects
15
Mitochondrial impairment
16
5FU cardiotoxicity
17
Hypertriglyceridaemia
18
side effects
19
CK increase
22
More side effects with ER-NA/LRPT
23
Hepatic toxicity
Myopathy
24
Drug-induced vasculitis
25
Alopecia
Digestive disorders
Myalgia
Serum transaminases increase
Sexual fatigue
27
Literature analysis of 28 papers
Positive Content
22
Neutral Content
1
Negative Content
5
Article Type
6
0
0
5
28
3.

[Pharmacological and pharmacokinetic features and clinical effects of pitavastatin (Livalo Tablet)].

Author: YamazakiHiroyuki, FujinoHideki, KanazawaMizuho, TamakiTaro, SatoFumiyasu, SuzukiMikio, KitaharaMasaki

Cholesterol reduction
Reduced drug interaction
Triglyceride reduction
Side effects

Pitavastatin is a medication used to lower cholesterol levels. This study reviewed the development and effectiveness of pitavastatin.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : Japanese

5.

Synergistic vascular protective effects of combined low doses of PPARalpha and PPARgamma activators in angiotensin II-induced hypertension in rats.

Author: De CiuceisC, AmiriF, IglarzM, CohnJ S, TouyzR M, SchiffrinE L

Vascular protection
Side effects

This study investigated the vascular protective effects of combined low doses of PPARalpha (fenofibrate) and PPARgamma (rosiglitazone) activators. The hypothesis was that combined low doses would provide vascular protective benefits similar to full individual doses.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

6.

Belgian expert opinion: how to reduce the residual risk in atherogenic dyslipidaemic patients: place of fibrates.

Author: DucobuJean, ScheenAndré, Van GaalLuc, VelkeniersBrigitte, HermansMichel

Improved lipid profile
Reduced cardiovascular risk
Liver toxicity
Muscle side effects

Statins significantly lower cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, but fibrates may also be beneficial, particularly for patients with metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, or low HDL levels. Combination therapy with statins and fenofibrate may lead to a more complete improvement in lipid profile and risk markers compared to either class alone.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

7.

Statins and fibrate target ClC-1 - from side effects to CLC pharmacology.

Author: ZdebikAnselm A

CLC protein pharmacology
Lipid-lowering drug side effects
Muscle cramps
Rhabdomyolysis

This study found that two statins and fenofibrate, often used in combination, decrease function of the chloride channel member 1 of the mammalian CLC protein family of chloride channels and transporters in skeletal muscle by three distinct mechanisms.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
CommentA short article/note that provides an opinion/perspective/interpretation on a published paper/topic.

Language : English

8.

Drug-drug Interactions of Statins Potentially Leading to Muscle-Related Side Effects in Hospitalized Patients.

Author: BucsaCamelia, FarcasAndreea, LeucutaD, MogosanCristina, BojitaM, DumitrascuD L

Statin-induced muscle disorders

This study investigated the prevalence of drug interactions that could increase the levels of statins in hospitalized patients and their association with muscle-related side effects.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

9.

Established and Emerging Lipid-Lowering Drugs for Primary and Secondary Cardiovascular Prevention.

Author: MichaeliDaniel Tobias, MichaeliJulia Caroline, AlbersSebastian, BochTobias, MichaeliThomas

Reduced cardiovascular events

This review discusses established and emerging lipid-lowering drugs, including their mechanism of action, clinical trials, side effects, and effects on blood lipids. The review highlights the need for new treatment modalities that target specific cellular pathways to reduce cardiovascular risk in patients with dyslipidemia.

ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

10.

Update on fenofibrate.

Author: GuayDavid R P

Lipid lowering
Well tolerated
Digestive
Musculoskeletal

Fenofibrate is a fibric acid derivative that effectively lowers lipid levels. It has broad spectrum utility in treating various types of hyperlipidemias and is generally well tolerated. Ongoing outcome trials will help determine its overall role in lipid management.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

11.

Drug-induced acute pancreatitis: results from the hospital-based Berlin case-control surveillance study of 102 cases.

Author: DourosA, BronderE, AndersohnF, KlimpelA, ThomaeM, OckengaJ, KreutzR, GarbeE

Pancreatotoxicity

This study quantified the pancreatotoxic risk of various drugs and phytotherapeutics, including azathioprine, fenofibrate, mesalazine, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. It also suggested a potential risk for mercaptopurine, leflunomide, tocilizumab, harpagophytum, and valerian radix.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

14.

Causative Agents of Drug-Induced Pancreatitis: A Nationwide Assessment.

Author: ChungEun Kyoung, LeeJi Hyun, JangDong Kee, LeeSang Hyub, LeeJin Ho, ParkByung-Joo, KwonKyenghee, LeeJun Kyu

Drug-induced acute pancreatitis

A review of 210 drug-induced acute pancreatitis (DIAP) cases in Korea found that L-asparaginase was the most common cause. Serious DIAP was more likely to occur in patients taking multiple medications.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

18.

Hypertriglyceridaemia with bexarotene in cutaneous T cell lymphoma: the role of omega-3 fatty acids.

Author: MusolinoAntonino, PanebiancoMichele, ZendriEnrico, SantiniMarcello, Di NuzzoSergio, ArdizzoniAndrea

Cutaneous T cell lymphoma treatment
Hypertriglyceridaemia

Bexarotene is a medication used to treat certain types of skin cancer. It can cause high levels of triglycerides in the blood, which can be managed with other medications. This report describes three patients who developed high triglycerides while taking bexarotene and were successfully treated with omega-3 fatty acids.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

20.

ANICHKOV study: the effect of combined hypotensive and lipid-lowering therapy on cardiovascular complications in patients of high and very high risk.

Author: SergienkoI V, AnshelesA A, DrapkinaО М, GornyakovaN B, ZubarevaM Yu, ShepelR N, KuharchukV V, BoytsovS A

Cardiovascular risk reduction

Lisinopril/amlodipine/rosuvastatin FC (Ekvamer®) demonstrated promising results for reducing cardiovascular risk in patients with elevated cholesterol levels and concomitant hypertension.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

22.

Treatment of chronic hemodialysis patients with low-dose fenofibrate effectively reduces plasma lipids and affects plasma redox status.

Author: MakówkaAgnieszka, DryjaPrzemysław, ChwatkoGrażyna, BaldEdward, NowickiMichał

Antioxidant effect
Cholesterol reduction
Triglyceride reduction
CK increase

Dyslipidemia, a condition characterized by abnormal levels of fats in the blood, is common in patients on chronic hemodialysis. This study investigated the effects of low-dose fenofibrate, a medication used to lower triglycerides, on plasma lipids and oxidative stress in hemodialysis patients. Fenofibrate was found to effectively lower triglycerides and cholesterol while also improving antioxidant levels. These findings suggest that fenofibrate may be a safe and effective treatment option for dyslipidemia in hemodialysis patients.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

23.

Effect of hypolipidemic treatment on emerging risk factors in mixed dyslipidemia: a randomized pilot trial.

Author: KeiAnastazia, LiberopoulosEvangelos, TellisKostantinos, RizzoManfredi, ElisafMoses, TselepisAlexandros

Reduced LDL particle size
Reduced hsCRP
Reduced small dense LDL cholesterol
More side effects with ER-NA/LRPT

Add-on extended release nicotinic acid (ER-NA)/laropiprant (LRPT) and switch to the highest dose of rosuvastatin were associated with more pronounced beneficial modifications in emerging cardiovascular risk factors compared with add-on fenofibrate in patients with mixed dyslipidaemia.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

24.

Lipid-lowering drugs and serum liver enzymes: the effects of body weight and baseline enzyme levels.

Author: KiortsisDimitrios N, NikasSpyridon, HatzidimouKaterina, TsianosEpaminondas, ElisafMoses S

Hyperlipidemia treatment
Safe for obese
Hepatic toxicity
Myopathy

Fibrates and statins are safe drugs for the treatment of hyperlipidemia in obese patients and those with moderately increased liver enzymes.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

25.

[Drug-induced vasculitis].

Author: FathallahNeila, OuniBouraoui, MokniSana, BaccoucheKhadija, AtigAmira, GharianiNajat, AzzabiAwatef, DenguezliMohamed, SlimRaoudha, Ben SalemChaker

Drug-induced vasculitis

This study explores the epidemiological, clinical, histopathological, and evolutionary characteristics of drug-induced vasculitis, examining the different drugs implicated in its occurrence.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : French

26.

Effects of adding fenofibrate (200 mg/day) to simvastatin (10 mg/day) in patients with combined hyperlipidemia and metabolic syndrome.

Author: VegaGloria Lena, MaPatrick T S, CaterNilo B, FilipchukNeil, MeguroShinichi, Garcia-GarciaAna Barbara, GrundyScott M

Lower cholesterol
Lower triglycerides
Raise HDL

A combination of low-dose simvastatin and fenofibrate appears to be effective and safe for the treatment of atherogenic dyslipidemia in combined hyperlipidemia.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.Research funding provided by US government agencies other than the Public Health Service.

Language : English

28.

Randomized comparative efficacy and safety study of intermittent simvastatin versus fenofibrate in hemodialysis.

Author: Abdel MagidAya M, AbbassiMaggie M, IskanderEssam Eldin M, MohamadyOsama, FaridSamar F

Fenofibrate for hemodialysis
Simvastatin for hemodialysis

This study compared the safety and efficacy of intermittent fenofibrate versus simvastatin in chronic hemodialysis patients. Both drugs had comparable efficacy and safety when used as intermittent low dose regimen in hemodialysis.

Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Multicenter StudyResearch conducted in collaboration with multiple research institutions. It aims to collect a wide range of data and obtain more generalizable results.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

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