Medical treatment.
If lifestyle changes prove insufficient, medical treatment may be required to bring triglyceride levels down. Medicines used for high triglycerides include:
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- Statins may be prescribed if you also have poor cholesterol numbers or a history of blocked arteries or diabetes (atorvastatin calcium and rosuvastatin calcium).
- Fibrates. They can lower your triglycerides and improve cholesterol levels (fenofibrate and gemfibrozil). They cannot be used in severe kidney or liver disease.
- Fish oil with omega-3 fatty acids. Prescription fish oil preparations, such as Lovaza, contain more fatty acids than many nonprescription supplements. Fish oil at high levels, however, may contribute to blood clotting, so you should consult your doctor before taking any. Omega-3 acids from plants like flaxseed are also useful.
- Niacin (or nicotinic acid) is able to lower your triglycerides and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. It can interact with other medications and cause significant side effects, so consult your doctor before taking any. [1, 4].
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If prescribed medication to lower your triglyceride levels, follow your treatment plan carefully. It is also important to inform your doctor of other medicines, supplements, and vitamins you take. Some drugs cause high triglycerides as a side effect.
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