Abstract
Fibrates have been used in the treatment of dyslipidemia for a long time and, as a result, a number of data on their action are available from various types of clinical trials. In addition to a comprehensive effect on the lipid profile, their use is accompanied by changes in other parameters relevant to atherogenesis (parameters of inflammation, insulin sensitivity, or endothelial function).
As has been shown in randomized clinical trials performed in type 2 diabetics, fibrate treatment selectively reduces cardiovascular risk in patients with elevated triglycerides and lower HDL-cholesterol level. Currently, fibrates are mainly used in combination therapy with statin that allows for a safe reduction in residual vascular risk, particularly in persons with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.
Treatment tolerance is good and serious adverse effects occur rarely, similarly to the treatment with statins.