Efficacy and Safety of 12-week Treatment with Fenofibrate(cid:122) 300 mg in Thai Dyslipidemic Patients
Banhan Koanantakul MD*, Nukool Jeamanukulkit MD**, Chumpol Piamsomboon MD***, Chirapan Chawantanpipat MD*, Itaporn Khanacharoen MD*
Affiliation : (cid:122) Lexemin® (Medline Co., Ltd.) * Department of Medicine, Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital ** Department of Medicine, Police General Hospital *** Department of Medicine, Phramongkutklao Hospital
Background : High levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is a known major factor in athero-
sclerosis. In addition to LDL-cholesterol, an increase in the triglycerides-rich lipoprotein and a decrease in
HDL- cholesterol increase the risk of coronary artery disease. Fenofibrate, a fibric acid derivative, is highly
effective in reducing serum triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol and produces a modest increase in HDL-
cholesterol. The present study was done to evaluate the efficacy of fenofibrate at 300 mg daily on serum lipid
profiles and to study the drug safety and tolerability of fenofibrate in Thai patients.
Materials and Methods : Forty patients with elevated serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol were recruited
for 12 weeks of 300 mg per day of fenofibrate therapy. Blood analysis for lipid profiles, liver function test,
creatinine and muscle enzyme were done at the begining and end of the study.
Results : The mean baseline total cholesterol, LDL- cholesterol, triglycerides and HDL- cholesterol were 249
mg/dl, 160 mg/dl, 325 mg/dl and 43 mg/dl respectively. Significant changes of all lipid parameters from
baseline were observed after 12 weeks of treatment. Reduction of serum total cholesterol, LDL- cholesterol
and triglycerides were 16, 23, and 41 percent respectively. Increased serum HDL- cholesterol of 14 percent
was also observed. One patient withdrew from the trial due to chest pain. Two asymptomatic elevated
transaminase were detected during the study.
Conclusion : Fenofibrate(cid:122) at 300 mg per day is effective and safe in treating Thai patients with dyslipidemia.
Keywords : Fenofibrate, Dyslipidemia, Thai patients
