Which type of hyperlipidemia is Fenofibrate used to treat?

Fenofibrate is primarily prescribed to manage primary or mixed dyslipidemia, which encompasses various lipid abnormalities including elevated levels of triglycerides, reduced levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and sometimes elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. By activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα), Fenofibrate enhances the clearance of triglyceride-rich lipoprotein particles, thereby leading to a decrease in triglyceride levels and an increase in HDL cholesterol.

This type of dyslipidemia is clinically significant because it often coexists with conditions such as diabetes and metabolic syndrome, contributing to increased cardiovascular risk. Therefore, the use of Fenofibrate in treating this condition is effective in managing lipid profiles, resulting in improved outcomes in patients with these characteristics.

While other types of hyperlipidemia, such as hypercholesterolemia or Type 1 and Type 3 hyperlipidemia, exist, they do not encompass the broader range of disorders addressed by Fenofibrate. Fenofibrate's action is not primarily focused on lowering cholesterol levels alone but rather on improving the overall lipid profile in patients with mixed dyslipidemia.