Fibraatteja

Fibraatteja, or fibrates, are a class of drugs primarily used to lower triglyceride levels in the blood. They are also known to have a modest effect on increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, often referred to as "good" cholesterol. Their mechanism of action involves activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), particularly PPAR-alpha. This activation influences the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism.

The main indication for fibrate therapy is hypertriglyceridemia, a condition characterized by abnormally high levels of triglycerides. They are often prescribed when lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise are insufficient to control triglyceride levels. Fibrates can be used alone or in combination with other lipid-lowering agents, though caution is advised when combining them with statins due to an increased risk of muscle-related side effects.

Commonly prescribed fibrates include gemfibrozil, fenofibrate, and bezafibrate. Side effects are generally mild and can include gastrointestinal disturbances, headache, and rash. More serious side effects, although rare, can include liver function abnormalities and muscle pain or weakness. Fibrates are metabolized in the liver and excreted by the kidneys, so dosage adjustments may be necessary in individuals with impaired liver or kidney function. Regular monitoring of lipid levels and liver function tests is typically recommended during treatment.