Lofibra® is a type of cholesterol medication that helps people maintain normal HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. This drug often is prescribed for people who suffer from uncontrollable high cholesterol. Statistically, people with cholesterol problems are more likely to have a stroke or heart attack, both of which can be fatal. Lofibra® helps keep cholesterol levels in check, improving the health of the heart and reducing the risk for several potentially dangerous or life-threatening health issues.
Medically, this drug is known as a fibrate, which helps prevent too many triglycerides from flooding the bloodstream. It works by targeting the part of the liver that produces VLDL, a type of particle that contains triglycerides. Eventually, it reduces how much VLDL is released by the liver, reducing the total amount of triglycerides in the bloodstream. This can help people with high triglyceride levels maintain healthier cholesterol levels.
It can also help reduce a person's bad cholesterol, or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL). LDL cholesterol can narrow blood vessels, making it harder for blood to pass. If the vessels become too narrow, it can increase the risk for a blood clot, which can trigger a heart attack or stroke. Although Lofibra® is better for treating high triglyceride levels, it can also reduce the amount of bad cholesterol in the blood, reducing a person's heart attack or stroke risk.
There are factors to consider while on Lofibra®, including a person's willingness to eat a healthy diet, exercise and make necessary lifestyle changes. This drug will not work as effectively if a person continues to eat high fat food, forgo exercise and engage in other habits that can increase LDL cholesterol levels. Doctors usually recommend eating a low fat diet and exercising regularly; specific exercise recommendations may differ depending on a person's current health. Doctors also may recommend losing weight and quitting smoking, two lifestyle factors that can make it harder to manage cholesterol levels.
Taken as prescribed, Lofibra® rarely causes serious side effects, but they are possible. People who do experience side effects often report a burning sensation in their hearts or throats, having trouble eliminating stools, having loose stools or suffering from unexplained headaches. These side effects usually go away on their own. If they continue or worsen, however, this may be a sign of a serious reaction to the drug, necessitating medical intervention.