Lofibra Alternatives

For those who experience side effects or do not benefit from Lofibra, alternatives to the cholesterol medicine are available. If you would like to continue using a fibrate, gemfibrozil and other brands of fenofibrate are available. Other Lofibra alternatives may include other classes of cholesterol drugs, including statins, cholesterol absorption inhibitors, niacin, and bile acid sequestrants.

 

An Overview of Lofibra Alternatives

Lifestyle changes are typically the first line of treatment for lowering cholesterol. However, for some people, treating high cholesterol or high triglycerides with a low cholesterol diet, weight control, and exercise are not enough. If lifestyle changes alone are not sufficient, your doctor can prescribe medications. One such medicine is Lofibra® (fenofibrate). For most people, Lofibra is quite effective in lowering cholesterol and triglycerides. It is also generally well tolerated. However, side effects can occur, and people may wish to consider a substitute for Lofibra. Alternatives could include other fibrates as well as other cholesterol medicines.
 

Other Fibrates as Lofibra Alternatives

Lofibra is part of a class of drugs known as fibric acid derivatives (also known as fibrates). Lofibra works by increasing the production of an enzyme (lipoprotein lipase) that breaks down triglyceride-rich particles (VLDL) and increases their removal from the body. This causes a decrease in triglyceride levels in the blood. Lofibra can also decrease the amount of these particles that are made and released from the liver.
 
Depending on the type of cholesterol problem you have, Lofibra may also:
 
Besides Lofibra, other fibrates are available by prescription. These possible Lofibra alternatives include gemfibrozil (Lopid®) and other fenofibrate options (Triglide™, Lipofen®, Tricor®, or Antara™).
 
(Lofibra Alternatives Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;