title: [Long-term bezafibrate treatment in a lipid clinic].
abstract: The files of 122 patients treated for at least 6 months with bezafibrate, a second generation fibric acid derivative, were reviewed. Our indications for bezafibrate treatment included cases of type IIb, IV and V hyperlipidemia which did not respond to a serious dietetic trial. Mean decrease in plasma triglycerides was 45% and in cholesterol 1012%, while in HDL-cholesterol there was a mean increase of 8%. The drug was usually well tolerated. Thorough review of patient files for side effects revealed gastrointestinal disturbances in 6.5%. There was a decrease in libido in 4%. 2 patients developed gynecomastia, 1 abnormal liver function tests and 1 severe myositis. All side effects were fully reversed on discontinuing the drug. Bezafibrate seems to be well-tolerated and suitable for treating type IIb, IV and V hyperlipidemia unresponsive to diet.
authors.affiliation: Bnai Zion Medical Center, Technion Faculty of Medicine, Haifa.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Yeshurun
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Abukarshin
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ellias
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Naschitz
mesh_terms: D001629:Bezafibrate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D014280:Triglycerides; D002784:Cholesterol; D001629:Bezafibrate