Trilipix Uses

High levels of triglycerides (fat-like substances in the blood) can have many negative effects on the body. They can accumulate on the walls of arteries, which decreases the blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart, brain, and other parts of your body. Hypertriglyceridemia can also increase a person's risk for developing heart disease, angina, heart attack, and stroke.

 

Very high levels of this fat-like substance can produce a condition known as pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Pancreatitis can be quite painful, and sometimes causes serious health problems.

 

Trilipix has been licensed for the treatment of high triglycerides in addition to diet and exercise. It works by increasing the breakdown and removal of these fat-like substances so there are fewer in the body.

 

Like other similar medications, Trilipix can actually cause an increase in LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) for people with very high levels of triglycerides (greater than 350 mg/dL). Therefore, Trilipix should be used with caution in people with this condition who also have high levels of LDL cholesterol.

 

How Does It Work?

Trilipix belongs to a class of drugs known as fibric acid derivatives (also known as fibrates). It works by increasing the activity of an enzyme (lipoprotein lipase) that breaks down triglyceride-rich particles and increases their removal from the body. The medication can also decrease the amount of these particles that are made and released from the liver. It also can decrease LDL and total cholesterol levels and increase HDL cholesterol.

 

Using Trilipix in Children

Trilipix has not been approved for use in children.

 

Off-Label Trilipix Uses

On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend Trilipix for treating something other than the conditions discussed in this article. This is called an "off-label" use. Using Trilipix to prevent heart or blood vessel disease (cardiovascular disease), heart attacks, strokes, or other such problems would be considered off-label uses. Also, using cholesterol medications such as Trilipix to prevent diabetic peripheral neuropathy (diabetic nerve disease) is an off-label use.