WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR HYPERTRIGLYCERIDEMIA (HIGH TRIGLYCERIDES)

* Be aware that the recommended treatments of illnesses are always being improved. This website was last update on 11/1/2024. The best treatment option MIGHT have changed since that time.

A. For 150 - 200 mg/dl levels of triglycerides are treated by reducing high sugar and fructose food, reducing saturated fat, and possibly Vasepa (Icosapent ethyl). $Vascepa cost about $100/ month (cash price).

B. For 200 - 500 mg/dl levels of triglycerides are with diet (as above), and Statin Medication * if the person also have increased cholesterol.

C. For 500 mg/dl levels and greater levels of triglycerides are treated with Vasepa *, Fibrate Medication *, and Statin Medication.

2. Fenofibrate and Gemfibrozil are the preferred anti-hypertriglyceride medications because they have less interactions with other medication, and they are generally well tolerated.

A. Fenofibrate – “micronized” 145 mg per day taken without regard to meals). “nonmicronized” capsules or tablets are taken separate from food

B. Gemfibrozil – Gemfibrozil is prescribed at a dose of 600 mg twice per day and is given before breakfast and dinner.

CAUTION:

1. Despite the fact that Fibrate Medication reduce both triglycerides and cholesterol there is no evidence that fibrate medication reduce the death from cardiac event like statin medications do.
2. All medication, including medications those that those that lower cholesterol, have a risk of side effects.
3. All medications have a risk of side effects.
4. Mild side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, itching, and light skin rash.
5. Possible Severe side effects are a severe skin rash, an anaphylactic allergic reaction (leading to the inability to breathe and subsequent death if not treated rapidly), and Clostridioides difficile infection (C. Diff.) of the colon.
6. Medications such as creams, lotions, and gels should be tested in small dosages in areas of the body that are not easily seen.

Consult “Epocrates.com” for each Specific Medication’s possible “Adverse Reactions.” Side effects are also referred to as “Adverse Reactions.” Epocrates.com will tell you both “common reactions” and “serious reactions.” You will have to create an account, but it is simple, fast, and free.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF HYPERTRIGLYCERIDEMIA (HIGH TRIGLYCERIDES)?

Usually there are no symptoms of high triglycerides unless blood levels of triglycerides are 1000 mg/dl or more. And the symptoms comes come from having pancreatitis, which occurs because of high triglycerides. The symptoms of pancreatitis are severe mid abdominal pain and pain that radiates to the back. There may be tenderness in the middle of the abdomen. There may also be signs of dehydration such as low blood pressure and fast pulse.

WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF HYPERTRIGLYCERIDEMIA (HIGH TRIGLYCERIDES)?

The basic cause of high triglycerides is that the body is not able to clear away the triglycerides like it is supposed to. This occurs among a lot in people who have diabetes, but it can also happen in people who are taking certain medication or have a genetic defect.

HOW IS HYPERTRIGLYCERIDEMIA (HIGH TRIGLYCERIDES) DIAGNOSED?

To diagnoses hypertriglyceridemia it requires a simple blood test. A level greater than 150 mg/dl (WHEN FASTING) is hypertriglyceridemia. A level between 150-1000 mg/dl is moderate hypertriglyceridemia. A level greater than 1000 mg /dl is severe hypertriglyceridemia.