Fenofibrate (Lipantil / Supralip 160) is a fibrate that is used to treat elevations in triglyceride levels in the blood. It can also improve levels of cholesterol. This can reduce a patient’s chances of experiencing a heart attack or stroke.

Fenofibrate can be used alone, or in combination with a statin to treat blood fat alterations. The standard dose is 200mg once a day.

Side-effects of fenofibrate include upset stomach, muscle pain, and rare cases of muscle tissue being broken down.

In HIV-positive patients, fenofibrate is effective in improving the blood fat alterations caused by antiretroviral therapy, particularly protease inhibitors. Two studies including a total of 75 patients with altered blood fat levels saw reduced triglyceride levels after six months of fenofibrate treatment^[1][2].

Combinations of fenofibrate and pravastatin (Lipitor) are also effective in treating fat alterations^[3]. However, fenofibrate seems to be less useful in treating the alterations in insulin resistance and blood pressure that can accompany long-term antiretroviral therapy^[4].

Fenofibrate does not interact with any currently available protease inhibitors or non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs).