Tag: Lipid lowering therapy

According to a major meta-analysis of over 4 million patients, the worldwide prevalence of statin intolerance is approximately 9.1% [1.2.1]. Answering the question of **how common is statin intolerance** requires looking at the difference between clinical trials and real-world data, where reported rates can be higher [1.2.3].

According to the American College of Cardiology, statin intolerance is defined as the inability to tolerate a dose of statin required to reduce a person's cardiovascular risk due to adverse effects. The most common complaints include various muscle symptoms, though other non-muscle signs and symptoms of statin intolerance can also occur.

Fenofibrate is a widely prescribed medication for managing high triglycerides and mixed dyslipidemia [1.4.4]. A key question for patients and clinicians is, **Can fenofibrate increase CK?** Yes, fenofibrate can cause an increase in creatine phosphokinase (CK), though significant elevations are less common [1.4.3, 1.3.1].

Postmarketing reports have identified anemia as a potential adverse reaction to fenofibrate, a medication used to manage high cholesterol and triglycerides [1.2.5, 1.3.2]. So, does fenofibrate cause anemia? While mild decreases in hemoglobin and hematocrit can occur, clinically significant anemia is uncommon [1.2.2, 1.5.1].

In the U.S., an estimated 2.3 million adults have severe hypertriglyceridemia (triglyceride levels ≥500 mg/dL) [1.13.1]. For those managing this condition, it raises the question: **what can you replace fenofibrate with** if it's not the right fit due to side effects or other concerns?

Research indicates that up to 30% of people prescribed statins discontinue their medication within the first year, often due to perceived side effects or a belief that their cholesterol is controlled. This guide provides essential information on **How to get off statins?** safely and effectively, emphasizing the critical role of medical supervision.