[Long-term bezafibrate treatment in a lipid clinic].
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.
Yeshurun
D
D
Bnai Zion Medical Center, Technion Faculty of Medicine, Haifa.
Abukarshin
R
R
Ellias
N
N
Naschitz
J E
JE
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
D014280:Triglycerides; D002784:Cholesterol; D001629:Bezafibrate